Pittsburg, Kan. – The women's track and field team of Southwest Baptist University (SBU) finished up competition at the Pittsburg State University Gorilla Classic on Saturday. The Lady Bearcats performed well, featuring several athletes who hit national marks.
 
The first SBU athlete to get a national mark on Saturday was graduate student Lily Simmons in the high jump invitational. Simmons placed fifth with a height of 1.71 meters, beating her previous personal record by 0.01 meters. Simmons' performance was also good enough to give her sole control of third place in SBU's all-time leaders in the event.
 
Four Lady Bearcats also hit a national mark in the 4x400-meter relay. Senior Stephanique Dean, junior Laura Dixon, junior Brianna Lord, and senior Emily Young combined for a time of 3:44.77, placing fifth overall at the event. The group's time bested the one they set in December at the Mel Tjeerdsma Classic, cementing their spot as the third fastest group to run the 4x400-meter relay in SBU history.
 
The track and field team will enjoy next weekend off before returning to competition on Friday, February 27 at the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana. Competitions will last until Sunday, March 1 as the Bearcats hope for a strong showing against GLVC foes.
 
All Results
 
Shot Put:
Alexis Turner – 28th
 
High Jump Invitational:
Lily Simmons – 5th
 
1 Mile Run:
Gracie Troester – 18th
Audrey Goatley – 40th
 
800-meter Run:
Gracie Troester – 28th
 
4x400-meter Relay:
5th place – Stephanique Dean, Laura Dixon, Brianna Lord, Emily Young
31st place – Sierra Wallace, Ellie Kitchin, Amaleiya Cerrone, Kaylyn Weiser