Throwers lead Cougars at UCLA

LOS ANGELES—BYU's women throwers led the track and field team to a second place finish at the Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner Kersee Invitational hosted by UCLA this weekend.

“I think the meet went well,” associate head coach Mark Robison said. “There were some amazing athletes and incredible competition. We didn't get any more regional qualifiers, but we still did some good things. I was pleased with how we competed.”

The women’s thrower squad dominated the loaded field. Martha Shepard finished in first place in the hammer with a mark of 53.67m, while teammates Deezbaa Whaley and Meaghan Heffelfinger finished in second and third place, respectively (53.61m, 51.84m).

Heffelfinger also finished in second place in the discus with a mark of 45.67m, while Whaley finished in third with a mark of 45.10m. Cherilyn Bunker finished in second place in the shot put with a mark of 14.05m.

Erin Murphy led the BYU high jumpers with a third place finish and a mark of 1.72m. Sophomore Rachel Stewart finished in second place in the 800m run with a time of 2:10.58. Kaylee Packham and Angela Shields finished in first and second place, respectively, in the 400m hurdles (1:00.73, 1:01.78).

None of the Cougars earned new qualifying marks for the regional meet this weekend but will continue their pursuit next weekend at the prestigious Mt. Sac relays in Walnut, Calif.  Full results from the meet at UCLA can be found at RunnerSpace.com.