West Virginia University’s track and field team came out strong on the first day of the Raleigh Relays, highlighted by the record-breaking performance of sophomore Beatrice Naukot. Naukot competed in the 10,000-meter race, setting a new school record and solidifying her place in Mountaineer history with a time of 33:09.42. Read more Record Breaking Performance from Naukot on Day 1 of Raleigh Relays.
Naukot’s Standout Performance
Not only did Naukot’s performance ensure a personal best and a new school record, but it also placed her among the top competitors in the NCAA this season. Maintaining an impressive pace throughout the race, her endurance and training were put to the test and showcased her willpower and commitment to herself and her team.
As previously mentioned, Naukot’s time ranks her among the top performances in the nation this season, which puts her in strong contention for postseason competition.
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Women’s 1,500-Meter Race
Sophomore Tecla Lokrale represented WVU in the 1,500-meter race and finished 71st overall with a time of 4:25.69. Her performance at the Raleigh Relays also became her college best in the 1,500.
Eva Rinker also participated in the 1,500-meter, finishing with a personal best of 4:37.84.
With multiple personal bests in this event, the Mountaineers continue to prove the depth they possess within their distance squad.
Women’s High Jump
Redshirt sophomore Annishka McDonald came in 2nd place, clearing 1.75 meters (5-8 ¾).
Sophomore Olivia Cress tied for 16th place in the high jump with a clearance of 1.65 meters (5-5). Cress tied with Assiya Elhafyan, sophomore from Wingate University.
Women’s 5,000-Meter Race
Sixth and seventh place were claimed by Naomi Kemboi (freshman) and Sarah Tait (graduate student) with times of 15:39.17 and 15:40.00.
Emily Bryce (redshirt junior) and Lexi Lamb (redshirt freshman) followed behind with times of 16:11.56 and 16:41.70.
The Raleigh Relays
Hosted by North Carolina State University, the Raleigh Relays took place this year from March 27-29th, although WVU only participated on the 28th and 29th. The meet typically serves as an opportunity for teams across the country to qualify for postseason competitions and improve national rankings.
Prior to the relays, the Mountaineers opened the outdoor season on March 21-22 at the Marty Pushkin in Morgantown, West Virginia, and the USF Alumni Invitationals in Tampa, Florida. McDonald, who placed 2nd in the high jump on day one, posted a personal best of 1.78 meters in the high jump in Tampa. This mark allowed McDonald to tie for 3rd on the all-time outdoor list.
Looking Ahead – Day 2
The Mountaineers showed up on day one ready to go and had many impressive performances. Naukot’s 10,000-meter record will prove a milestone-achievement for the program. As competition continues, WVU will attempt to capitalize on this momentum and continue to impress in the outdoor season.
WVU will return on March 29th for day two of the Raleigh Relays, with performances in the 800-meters, 400-meter hurdles, and the 200-meters. The competition will begin on Saturday at 9:30a.m. ET. and can be streamed on ACCNX. Live results can also be found on WVUsports.com.
Record Breaking Performance from Naukot on Day 1 of Raleigh Relays.
