Three Cougars in the top five of the heptathlon

PROVO, Utah – Three Cougars finished in the top five of the heptathlon at the 2014 BYU Robison Invitational at Clarence Robison Track. The heptathlon began on Wednesday and concluded on Thursday.

Senior Elizabeth Wilson took second with a score of 4,977, her best score in more than a year and just three points behind leader Marsha Mark-Baird, an unattached competitor. Sophomore Brie Simmons took third with a season-high score of 4,888, five points off her career high. Junior Erin Murphy posted a career-best score of 4,434 to take fifth.

Wilson took first in the shot put with a mark of 11.79 meters (38 feet, 8.25 inches) and the long jump with a leap that measured 5.73 meters (18 feet, 9.5 inches). She also claimed second in the 800 meter race (2:23.52).

Simmons posted four top three finishes and one career high. She took second in the shot put (10.71 meters/35 feet, 1.75 inches) and the javelin (34.31 meters/112 feet, 6.75 inches). Simmons claimed third in the 100 meter hurdles (14.73) and the 200 meters with a career-best time of 25.45.

Freshman Nicole Laws was on pace to register a strong score but had to withdraw from the 800 meters due to a sprained ankle. Laws set career marks to finish first in the 100 meter hurdles (14.18) and the 200 meters (25.02) while also taking first in the high jump with a mark of 1.71 meters (5 feet, 7.25 inches). Laws had 4,233 points before the injury.

The Robison Invitational resumes on Friday at 10:30 a.m. with the hammer throw.