TicketsJan. 20, 2006
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio---Using a steady blend of top-five finishes and a dominating performance in the pole vault, the University of Cincinnati women's indoor track and field team earned a runner-up finish in its season-opening event, the BGSU Quint on Friday at Perry Fieldhouse in Bowling Green.
The pole vault was the top event of the day for the Bearcats as UC took three of the top five positions. Sophomore Brittany Klima was the star as her leap of 11-11 ¾ not only took first place, but also tied teammate Tara Meier's school record. Meier finished just behind Klima, clearing 11-5 ¾. Ashley Wilhelm took third place at 10-11 ¾, with newcomer Brittney Robinson tying for fourth at 10-0.
Junior Renee Hein scored Cincinnati's other win on the day, taking the high jump title with a leap of 5-7.
In the team standings, Ball State was the winner with a score of 226 points. UC was second at 144.5, just ahead of the host Falcons at 126.5.
In addition to placing in the pole vault, Wilhelm scored in three other events for the Bearcats. The senior was third in the long jump (19-2 ½), fourth in the 60-meter hurdles (9.01) and fifth in the high jump (5-3).
Classmate Erin Leeper scored three times, with an individual best of third in the 400 meters (59.14). She also lept 18-0 ½ to claim fifth in the long jump, while anchoring the 4x400 meter relay team that took second place with a time of 3:59.47. Dominique Davis, Danielle Erwin and Jammie Jackson joined Leeper on the runner-up team.
Senior Jocelyn Gibson also earned a top finish for the Bearcats, stopping the clock in 2:18.77 to place second in the 800 meters. In all, Cincinnati earned 26 top-fives during the event.
The Bearcats are back in action next Saturday (Jan. 28) traveling to the Ohio State Invitational in Columbus.
BGSU Quint Team Standings
1. Ball State 226
2. Cincinnati 144.5
3. Bowling Green 126.5
4. Dayton 71
5. Xavier 25
6. IPFW 17