by Alan Babbitt

Hope College distance runner Emily Hamilton bettered her own school record during the Grand Valley State University Holiday Open on Friday.

The senior from Naperville, Illinois (Naperville North HS) clocked a converted 5,000-meter time of 17 minutes, 44.02 seconds.

Hamilton's previous indoor best was 17:54.93.

Hamilton, pictured, finished 21st in the meet that featured teams from all three NCAA divisions.

Hope scored in one event with a limited roster competing.

Senior Sarah Neumar of Ann Arbor, Michigan (Huron HS) placed seventh in the 1-mile run. She clocked a run of 5:27.05.

The Flying Dutch finished 20th in the 4x400 relay with freshman Hayley Scollard, freshman Sophie Hall, freshman Ann Grunewald, and sophomore Emily Tyner going 4:34.86.

Hope's next meet is Saturday, January 19 at GVSU's Mike Lints Open.