NEW LONDON, CT. - The Smith College track & field team turned in a strong day at the Coast Guard Invitational, highlighted by event wins, multiple personal bests, and several qualifications for the New England Division III Championships. The Pioneers posted top-10 finishes across sprints, distance, hurdles, jumps, and throws in one of their most well-rounded meets of the outdoor season.

Event Winners & New England DIII Qualifiers

• Jill da Costa Pinto led the field squad with a victory in the pole vault, clearing a personal-best height of 3.25m to secure her spot at the New England Division III Championships. She also placed sixth in the long jump with another PR of 4.80m.

• Pria Parker (Hingham, MA/Hingham) won the 1500m in a time of 4:38.54, earning a championship qualifier alongside teammate Serena Britner (Hampton, CT/St. Bernard), who finished fourth in 4:49.50. Parker's time currently ranks No. 24 in NCAA Division III this season.

• Hillary Connor (Yarmouth, ME/Yarmouth), in her collegiate debut in the 5000m, placed eighth overall with a time of 18:34.99 — also qualifying for the New England Division III Championships.

Sprints & Hurdles Highlights

• Lena Baker (Lee's Summit, MO/Lee's Summit North) turned in a strong performance in the 400m, placing second in 1:00.36.

• Daniela Pilier (Higuey, DR/Escuela Liceo Juan XXIII de la Salle) set a personal best in the 100m, finishing third in 12.84.

• First-year Elowyn Gottsacker (Portland, OR/Roosevelt) made her debut in the 400m hurdles and finished sixth in 1:13.71.

• Elaine McCarty () placed sixth in the 100m hurdles with a time of 18.82 and recorded a PR in the javelin with a throw of 19.03m.

Distance Crew Rounds Out Strong Day

• Shams Ferver (Barre, VT/U-32) finished third in the 800m (2:19.52), with teammates Catherine Collins (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) (8th, 2:26.33) and Amelia Dion (Burlington, VT) (9th, 2:26.47) also placing in the top 10.

Field Event Top 10s & PRs

• Cady Sorenson (Orlando, FL/Lake Highland Prep) cleared 2.95m in the pole vault to finish fourth behind teammate da Costa Pinto.

• Tiffany Hooker (Fulton, MD/Reservoir) finished eighth in the triple jump with a mark of 9.65m.

• Juliet May () tied her personal best of 1.31m to place tenth in the high jump.

• Mollie Doyle () threw a PR of 25.49m in the hammer throw to lead Smith in the throws.

Up Next:

The Pioneers return to action next week as they continue outdoor competition as they host the Carla Coffey Invitational April 11th and 12th. 

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.