The University of Rhode Island’s women’s track and field team traveled to Boston University to compete in the David Hemery Valentine Invitational on Friday and hosted the URI Coach’s Invitational on Saturday afternoon.
The team also saw their 10 seniors honored along with a series of wins and personal bests over the weekend.
Friday’s action in Boston saw success with Amyah Santana, a third-year, recording her personal best time in the 400 meter with a time of 59.88. The 4×400 meter team consisting of fourth-year Sydney Federico, second-year Lily Saul, fifth-year Hanna O’Connor and Santana finished 26th with a season-best time of 3:58.03.
Before Saturday’s action began at Mackal Field House, the 10 seniors on the squad were honored with their coaches and teammates. Head Coach Laurie Feit-Melnick spoke on the contributions these women have brought to the team.
“They’re a huge impact to the program and represents URI in such an exemplary manner,” Laurie Feit-Melnick. “It’s definitely hard to see them go, but we’re looking forward to enjoying the rest of the year with obviously everyone and the seniors. They’re just a great group of student athletes.”
The coaches invitational also saw a slew of individual wins and personal bests for the Rams. Second-year Jacqueline Edoro took home first in the triple jump with a 38′ 1.75″ effort and Olivia Skapczynski, a second year, finished first in the 1000 meter, recording a time of 3:02.06. Both are personal bests for each of them.
“When they called me back for my final jump I wasn’t too caught off guard but when they said I was the last jumper, which means you had the best jump, I was like ‘wait seriously?’” Edoro said.
Edoro also shared her excitement following her first place finish.
“It was crazy because I feel like all of the meets thus far we have been competing against this deep competition.”
The pair also contributed to first place finishes in the 4×800 meter and the 4×400 meter relays along with fourth-year Corina Vidal, second-year Leyla Kvaternik and second-year Linsey Arends in the 4×800 meter. Fourth-year Virsavia Goretoy, fourth-year Elise LePage and second-year Joyce London, in the 4×400 meter.
The Rams’ success didn’t stop there and continued on during other events too. Megan Wood, a fourth-year, and fifth-year Erynn Field placed third and fourth in the weight throw. LePage also had a top finish in the 500 meter, finishing third at 1:18.99.
Feit-Melnick emphasized her goals for the team during the final few weeks of the season.
“We’re just trying to get everyone healthy and ready to compete,” Feit Melnick said. “We want to go in and control what we can control and have a great championship meet.”
The Women enjoyed a successful weekend following two individual wins, a number of top 10 finishes and numerous personal bests. Now they turn their attention to the home stretch of the season at the Brown Invitational on Saturday before the Atlantic 10 Championship.