By Joyce Novacek

Writer

The women’s track team earned three gold medals at the Bison Outdoor Classic despite the harsh weather on Saturday. In the rain on Saturday, Jennifer Zymet ’14 took first in the 400 meters, and Chelsea Lodato ’14 won the 800 meters. Laura Rycek ’11 won the javelin on Friday for her third consecutive top finish.

The Orange and Blue also had success in the discus, with Rebecca Misko ’12 throwing the third-best distance in program history and earning third place at the meet.  Her throw of 152 feet, 11 inches was the first time Misko had broken the 150-foot mark.

“Even with the crazy rain and terrible weather our team was still able to beat out lots of our competition,” Lodato said. “I think competing in weather like that makes us grow together as a team because it really means a lot when your teammates stand out in the rain to cheer for you, like ours did for us.”

“We didn’t let the weather conditions affect us,” Zymet said. “Instead of worrying about the wind, temperature or rain, everyone just went out there and gave it their all, and it definitely showed.”

The sun was shining for the Friday competitors, when Rycek threw 152 feet, three inches to win the javelin, and teammate Tayler Siegrist ’13 earned the bronze with 132 feet, one inch.

In the pole vault, Rebecca Frey ’11 earned second place, clearing 11 feet, 11.75 inches.

Along with the Orange and Blue field accomplishments, some Bison distance runners also excelled on Friday.  In the 3,000 meter steeple chase, Leah Goeke ’13 advanced to the fourth-best time in program history, and teammate Kelly Grosskurth ’12 moved up to the fifth.

The Bison had three top-20 finishers in the 5,000 meters.  Sarah Moniz ’11 placed ninth, Alysha Hooper ’12 placed 16th and Alaina Chodoff ’11 placed 19th.

The Orange and Blue will be back in action tomorrow for their final home meet of the outdoor season, when they host the Bucknell Team Challenge.