COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Augusta University women's track and field shined at the John-Hunter James Classic, hosted by Columbia International University on March 7-8.
Track Events
Josalyn Branch led Augusta in the sprint events, finishing fifth in the 100 meters with a time of 12.35. Freshman Madison Mitchell also earned points for the Jaguars, placing seventh in 12.89. In the preliminaries, Branch ran 12.25 for the third-fastest qualifying time, while Mitchell clocked 12.61 to advance.
Branch also competed in the 200 meters, tying for fourth place in 26.87. Mitchell added another top-10 finish, taking eighth with a time of 27.32, while freshman Nene Akaose placed ninth in 27.57.
In the 400 meters, Brie Andrews placed fourth, running 1:02.77.
Augusta found success in the middle-distance events, as junior Grace Gyetko won the 800 meters in 2:24.11. Junior Cheyenne Ryan placed 14th (2:38.62), and freshman Anna Biondolillo finished 25th (2:42.93).
In the 5,000 meters, Augusta dominated the race, securing six of the top eight spots. Senior Emily McBride won the event in 17:35.00, followed by junior Madison Kennedy in second (17:56.69). Sophomore Maria Biondolillo (18:43.46), freshman Sophia Cook (18:48.00), freshman Lily McDonald (19:04.57), and sophomore Ansley Graddy (19:11.63) rounded out Augusta's top finishers.
McBride also claimed victory in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 11:05.58. Sophomore Danielle Thayer (12:20.17) and junior Swaye Mohler (13:13.78) placed third and fourth, respectively.
The 4x100-meter relay team of Madison Mills, Madison Mitchell, Janiya England, and Josalyn Branch took second place with a time of 49.15. The 4x400-meter relay team of Mitchell, Branch, England, and Andrews also finished second in 4:15.46.
Field Events
In the long jump, sophomore Madison Mills took second place with a leap of 5.25 meters (17' 2.75").
Freshman Keeva Tracey led Augusta's throws group, finishing third in the shot put with a mark of 10.29 meters (33' 9.25"). She also placed eighth in the javelin (25.77m, 84' 6").
Sophomore Jala Williams had a strong performance in the discus, finishing second with a throw of 35.58 meters (116' 9").
