Navy Women Top Six-Team Field at Delaware Invitational

Jan. 9, 2010

NEWARK, Del. -- The Navy women's track team shook off the rust from a 39 day layoff and opened the 2010 season in fine fashion, producing six individual event victories on its way to topping the six-team field at the Delaware Invitational, Friday evening at the Delaware Field House.

In addition to its six first-place finishes, Navy boasted a total of 22 top-three finishes to produce 272.5 total points, a full 87.5 point-advantage over the runner-up and host Blue Hens, and place first in the Division I team standings.

Coppin State placed third with 69.5 points, followed by La Salle (47), Saint Joseph's (20), and Delaware State (6). Jess Palacio (Sun Valley, Nev.) showcased some impressive early-season durability, doubling up and claiming first-place honors in both the 800-meter run (2:24.51) and the mile (5:14.50).

Veteran distance stalwart Erica Ziel (Sr., Saginaw, Mich.) and Arian Davis (So., Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) both also produced individual wins on the track, taking the 3,000 (10:36.71) and 60 hurdles (9.43), respectively. Ashley Bucholz (Jr., DeBerry, Fla.) was the evening's top performer in the triple jump (41'Â¼"; 12.50m) and Kristin Smith (Fr., Harleysville, Pa.) continued the strong start to her collegiate career, winning the high jump (5'5"; 1.65m) for the second time in as many meets.

The highlight of the field event portion of the meet, and the evening at large for the Navy women's tracksters, was undoubtedly the exploits of second-year thrower Amanda Phelps (So., Oceanside, Calif.). For the second time in as many competitions this season, Phelps built upon her career-best effort in the 20-pound weight throw, this time by delivering an ECAC qualifying-toss of 52'7Â½" (16.04m).

The toss eclipsed Navy's best weight throw effort from the 2008-09 season and gave the Mids their first ECAC qualifier on the young season. In Navy's season-opening Lidlifter meet on Dec. 1, Phelps topped her previous career-best with a then-career-long toss of 49'11" (15.21m).

The Midshipmen return to action next Saturday, January 16, when they entertain squads from James Madison, Mount Saint Mary's, UNC-Wilmington and VCU in a five-team invitational meet.

Final Women's Division I Team Standings
1. Navy - 272.5
2. Delaware - 185
3. Coppin State - 69.5
4. LaSalle - 47
5. Saint Joseph's - 20
6. Delaware State - 6

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