AMHERST, Mass. – The Smith College track and field team opened the outdoor season with a series of strong performances at the UMASS Flagship Opener on Saturday. Competing against a field that included Division I programs and local rivals, the Bears were led by standout hurdling and solid relay showings.
Hurdles and Sprints
Sophomore Elowyn Gottsacker (Portland, OR/Roosevelt) provided the highlight of the day in the 100-meter hurdles. Clocking a time of 15.44 seconds, Gottsacker secured a second-place finish and met the qualifying standards for both the AARTFC and DIII New England Championships. She also competed in the 200m, finishing in 28.01.
In the short sprints, Daniela Pilier (Higuey, DR/Escuela Liceo Juan XXIII de la Salle) led the way for the Bears in the 100m with a time of 13.48, followed closely by Niveen Bugueiro () at 13.64. In the 200m, senior Lena Baker (Lee's Summit, MO/Lee's Summit North) paced the squad, finishing 5th overall with a time of 26.64.
Distance and Relays
The Bears showed their depth in the relay events. The 4x100m team—comprised of Gottsacker, Gwyneth Howes (), Baker, and Pilier—captured second place with a time of 48.63. Later in the afternoon, the 4x400m squad of Baker, Howes, Annika Wells (Ashland, OR/Ashland High School), and Abigail Lei crossed the line in 4:38.72 to take third.
In individual distance events, Elise Kennedy (Middletown, CT/Middletown) represented Smith in the 1500m (5:28.00), while Abigail Lei (2:34.32) and Annika Wells (Ashland, OR/Ashland High School) (2:35.87) posted back-to-back finishes in the 800m.
Field Events
The Bears' throwing corps saw heavy action across four disciplines:
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Javelin: First-year Caroline Brennick (Cranston, RI/Cranston East) earned a 7th-place finish with a best toss of 26.82m (88' 0").
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Shot Put: Mollie Doyle () led the way with a 9th-place finish, recording a mark of 9.85m (32' 3.75").
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Discus & Hammer: Brennick and Doyle both placed in the top 15 in the Discus, while Doyle spearheaded the Hammer effort with a throw of 33.02m (108' 4").
Up Next
The Bears will look to build on this momentum as they continue their outdoor campaign next weekend at Coast Guard.
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 GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.
