NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – The Smith College track and field team lit up the Indoor Track and Tennis Facility on Saturday, delivering a series of personal bests and podium finishes at the 2026 Mary Grinaker Invitational. Energized by a home crowd, the Bears showcased incredible depth, particularly in the sprints and pole vault, while securing key victories on the track.

Meet Highlights

The day was headlined by a stellar double performance from Elowyn Gottsacker (Portland, OR/Roosevelt). Gottsacker sprinted her way to a second-place finish in the 60m Hurdles, clocking a new personal record. She returned to the track later in the afternoon to take third place in the 200m, smashing another PR to cap a breakout meet.

Smith's dominance was on full display in the 400m dash, where the Bears packed the front of the field. The squad executed a brilliant race strategy to sweep second, third, and fourth place, demonstrating the program's growing strength in the long sprints.

In the middle-distance events, Indie Lamb (Barrington, RI/Barrington High School) proved untouchable in the 600m, crossing the line first to claim the individual title. Teammate Annika Wells (Ashland, OR/Ashland High School) joined her on the podium, battling hard to secure a third-place finish. First-year Indigo Olsen (Leadville, Colorado/Lake County High School) added to the distance squad's success, running a gritty race in the Mile to take third overall.

Field Event Dominance

The "Vault Squad" defended their home turf in spectacular fashion, securing a 1-2 finish in the Pole Vault.

• Jillian da Costa Pinto (West Hartford, CT/Conard) soared to victory, claiming the top spot on the podium.

• Cady Sorensen followed closely behind, taking second place to complete the Bear sweep at the top of the leaderboard.

Smith Top Performers

• Indie Lamb (Barrington, RI/Barrington High School): 1st Place - 600m

• Jillian da Costa Pinto (West Hartford, CT/Conard): 1st Place - Pole Vault

• Cadence Sorensen: 2nd Place - Pole Vault

• Elowyn Gottsacker (Portland, OR/Roosevelt): 2nd Place - 60m Hurdles (PR); 3rd Place - 200m (PR)

• Indigo Olsen (Leadville, Colorado/Lake County High School): 3rd Place - Mile

• Annika Wells (Ashland, OR/Ashland High School): 3rd Place - 600m

Up Next

The Bears will look to carry this momentum into February as they travel to the Riverhawk Invitational. The team returns to action next weekend, aiming to secure more qualifying marks ahead of the New England Division III Championships.

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 onto GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram,