NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – The Smith College track and field team secured a victory at the Peter De Villiers Cup on Friday, February 20, outperforming Seven Sisters rivals Wellesley, Mount Holyoke, and Bryn Mawr. Hosting the quad meet at the Smith College Indoor Track & Tennis facility, the Bears delivered a stellar all-around team effort highlighted by double individual victories, a sweep in the pole vault, and dominant distance performances.
Here are the highlights from the Bears' winning effort:
Track Highlights
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Sprints: Senior Lena Baker (Lee's Summit, MO/Lee's Summit North) paced the Bears in the short distances, claiming victory in both the 200-meter dash (26.76) and the 400-meter dash (1:00.13). Sophomore Elowyn Gottsacker (Portland, OR/Roosevelt) added a third-place finish in the 200m (27.14) , while senior Daniela Pilier (Higuey, DR/Escuela Liceo Juan XXIII de la Salle) took third in the 60-meter dash (8.22).
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Hurdles: Smith secured a 1-2 finish in the 60m hurdles. Gottsacker crossed the line first at 9.36, followed immediately by junior Elaine McCarty () in second at 9.71.
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Mid-Distance & Distance: The Bears were virtually unstoppable in the distance events. Junior Catherine Collins (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) won the 600m with a time of 1:40.75, with sophomore Amelia Dion (Burlington, VT/Burlington) finishing third (1:41.88). First-year Avery Grace Maiese (Waterford, CT/Waterford High School) captured the mile title with a time of 5:20.59 , and senior Lyda Martin (San Antonio, TX/Lee) dominated the 3000m, finishing first in 10:11.37. In the 1000m, junior Sofia Jurusz (Wildwood Crest, NJ/Middle Township) secured a strong second-place finish (3:03.98).
Field Highlights
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Pole Vault Sweep: The Bears commanded the pole vault, claiming the top three spots. Senior Kerry Seekamp (Destin, FL/Fort Walton Beach) won the event by clearing 3.45m. Senior Jillian da Costa Pinto (West Hartford, CT/Conard) followed in second at 3.30m, and Cadence Sorensen took third at 3.00m.
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Throws: Seekamp also showcased her versatility by taking second place in the shot put with a toss of 10.02m. In the weight throw, junior Mollie Doyle () earned a podium finish, taking third place with a mark of 12.09m
Relay Success
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4x200m Relay: The Smith quartet of Pilier, Niveen Bugueiro (), Gwyneth Howes (), and McCarty surged to a first-place finish with a combined time of 1:50.32, comfortably beating Wellesley for the top spot.
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Distance Medley Relay: The team of Maiese, Martin, Indie Lamb (Barrington, RI/Barrington High School), and Collins secured second place in the DMR with a time of 13:18.73.
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.
