Rockets battle inclement weather, put up good results at Toledo Invitational

May 8, 2017 | Athletics, News
By Paul Helgren



Despite an unrelenting rainstorm, University of Toledo women’s track athletes still managed to come up with some good performances at the second and final day of the 2017 Toledo Invitational at the UT Track Friday.

The Rockets took three first-place finishes and three runner-up spots.

Stephanie Sherman (1) and Marissa Rossetti (3) battled the rain in the 1500 meters at the 2017 Toledo Invitational Friday.

Finishing at the top of the pack were sophomore Christina Johnson in the 200 meters with a time of 24.66; sophomore Deja Martin in the triple jump (11.60 meters); and sophomore Anna Bellman in the javelin (37.0 meters).

Sophomore Nautica Hill was just an eyelash behind Johnson to take second in the 200 with a time of 24.67. Junior Julia Mendiola took second in the 800 meters clocking in at 2:17.16, and freshman Tori Thompson was just a stride off the pace in the 100 meters, finishing in second with a time of 12.24.

“This was more of a competition meet than a performance meet,” said UT Head Coach Linh Nguyen. “We had the trifecta of cold, wind and rain, so it was just a matter of going out and competing and not worrying about the times. Christina Johnson and Nautica Hill ran a great race in the 200. Both of their times are in the top 15 in the [Mid-American Conference] this year. Anna Bellman had close to her [personal record] in the javelin (37.0 meters), which is impressive considering the weather.”

Next up for the Rockets is the 2017 Mid-American Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships Thursday through Saturday, May 11-13, in Kalamazoo, Mich.

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