Anna Sybenga Wins 10K Gold on Day 1 at MIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Campus

The Hope College women's track and field team sits in second place after the opening day of the MIAA Outdoor Championships, presented by Collegiate Credit Union, on Thursday at Brewer Track.

The Flying Dutch claimed one gold medal and totaled 68 points. Calvin University leads the eight-team field with 78 points, while Trine is in third with 50. Competition continues on Friday, May 1, at noon.

In the 10,000 meters, freshman Anna Sybenga (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Forest Hills Central) led the Flying Dutch with an event title, pulling away late to secure the win in 36 minutes, 12.45 seconds against a competitive field. Freshman Dylan Ballin (Brookville, Ohio / Brookville) added a seventh-place finish in 37:48.28.

"That was a freshman who won the 10K there at the end against some national-level competition," head coach Jordan Bartolazzi said. "That was pretty sweet. We're really proud of Anna for just a really smart, gutsy race."

In the 3,000-meter steeplechase, senior Molly Durow (Glenview, Illinois / Glenbrook South) delivered a strong performance with a runner-up finish of 11:02.06 for a silver medal. Sophomore Tessa Rindfliesch (Holland, Michigan / Zeeland West) added a seventh-place time of 11:34.94.

In the field events, senior Kamryn Bice (Monroe, Michigan / Monroe) placed fourth in the shot put with a throw of 12.06 meters (39 feet, 6 ¾ inches), adding key points.

Hope advanced several athletes through preliminary competition. Senior Sara Schermerhorn (Traverse City, Michigan / Traverse City West) qualified for the finals in the 100 meters after running 11.68 in the prelims, while sophomore Sofia Fisher (Lombard, Illinois / Montini Catholic) also advanced with a time of 11.94. Schermerhorn additionally qualified in multiple sprint events.

In the hurdles, freshman Jaidyn Klimp (Galesburg, Michigan / Galesburg Augusta) advanced to the finals in the 100-meter hurdles after a qualifying time of 14.95.

In the 800 meters, junior Amanda Markham (Hoffman Estates, Illinois / William Fremd) secured a spot in the finals with a time of 2:17.65.

"We got the people through the finals that we wanted," Bartolazzi added. "The hurdlers, we got three through, and athletes like Sara Schermerhorn made it in all three of her events. Sophia Fisher set herself up really well for a big day, too."

Print Friendly Version