Gonzaga University
Spokane Memorial Open
Busy Week for GU Track Wraps Up in Spokane
4/22/2018 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
SPOKANE, Wash. -- The Gonzaga women's and men's track and field teams wrapped up a busy week at the Spokane Memorial Series at Spokane Falls Community College Saturday.
"It was so windy today," GU women's Head Coach Patty Ley said. "Great efforts by the men and women, but just not rewarded with the marks the were working so hard for this season. Just has been that kind of spring - lots of wind this year. The athletes have worked hard and that strength showed today as they fought the elements."
Three Zags placed in the Top-10 of the women's 1,500 meters, led by a fifth-place finish by Aimee Piercy (4:58.33). Claire Gillett (4:58.72) and Elena Slavoski (5:02.62) were sixth and seventh.
Hunter Simpson was eighth in the men's 1,500 meters, crossing the line at 4:16.92.
Gianna Bacher placed second in her heat of the 100 meters at 29.41, while Brianna Vasquez was second in her heat of the 800 meters with a time of 2:30.28.
Kinsly Smith won his heat of the 800 meters, and placed sixth overall, at 1:58.50.
In the women's 400-meter hurdles, Molly Foster came in seventh place with a time of 1:14.69.
On Friday night, Jenna Rogers (18:45.24), Monica Ripple (18:47.89) and Kelly Gilbert (18:48.21) were eighth, ninth and 10th in the women's 5,000 meters.
"Both Elena and Aimee came back after racing Thursday to be two of our Top-3 finishers," Ley said. "With Elena choosing to pace teammates in the second heat helping Claire to a near PR even in the wind. Jenny Albrecht, Kelly and Erin Boyle pulled iron runner duty as well coming back in the 1,500 today after running the 5k last night. Each of the sprints was run into a heavy headwind slowing all the athletes, but we still saw Sammy Vowles, Gianna and Bri Vasquez run well. Molly closed really well despite that headwind in her heat and ran well in her second go at the event this season.
"On the men's side, it was really good to see Kinsly shake off some of the rust and return to the track. Now that he's back, times will drop for him again soon."
The Bulldogs travel to the Oregon State High Performance meet in Corvallis, Ore., on Friday. Results will be available on GoZags.com.
