The women's track team has not slowed down once this season. It has risen to the challenge of each successive meet, consistently turning in quality performances and never once letting up its intensity along the way.
The New England Division III Championship meet was certainly no exception, as the Jumbos traveled to Springfield College on May 1 to face some top-notch competition once again. Even so, the squad held its own, finishing in ninth place overall, with a team score of 34 points and a few phenomenal individual achievements as well.
"Overall, we ran well," Branwen Smith-King said. "I think that a top-10 finish is very reasonable and respectable, especially considering that none of our throwers qualified for this meet. But more people placed than last year, and everyone improved. That is always a good indicator of our progress."
Junior Caitlin Murphy kept up her recent torrid pace, winning the 1,500 meters and automatically qualifying for Nationals as well. With her time of 4:38.25, Murphy also set a new Tufts record for the event.
"Caitlin's race was the most exciting one of the day," Smith-King said. "There was a Williams girl right with her to the end and she out-kicked her for the victory. It was definitely the highlight of the meet."
"I was glad to [achieve a] PR (personal record) in the 15, because I haven't been in my best shape due to injuries," Murphy said. "But I had some good competition at New England Division III's."
Senior tri-captain Jenifer Shapiro ran 4:51.7, good enough to qualify for the All-New England Championships in the 1,500, while senior Iris Rave (4:55.2) and freshman Amanda Watson (4:58.3) both made ECACs.
In the 10,000, freshman Molly Hobey placed third, at 39:30.69. Her time also earned her a spot in All-New Englands.
"Molly ran a real gutsy race," Smith-King said. "She has a lot of talent and ability and was able to hold her own."
Junior Cindy Manning, ended up sixth in the 5,000 (18:28.30). Her time was also good enough for an invitation to All-New Englands. Sophomore Sarah Deeb duplicated Manning's feat in the 400, placing seventh with a time of 59.73, while sophomore Jennifer Edelmann turned in her best time of the year in the 5,000 (18:52.1), qualifying for ECACs in the process.
"Jennifer ran superbly," Smith-King said, "especially since she wasn't feeling well and almost didn't get on the line."
Sophomore Nadia Samadani also made All-New Englands in the long jump, leaping 16'7". Another sophomore, Folake Aaron, did likewise in the 100 meter hurdles, taking sixth place with a time of 15.81.
"Nadia improved again in the long jump, and was very impressive," Smith-King said, "and Folake was in second place until the seventh hurdle, where she lost her balance. When she puts it all together, she'll be pretty tough to beat."
Sophomore high jumper Jessica Tonn cleared 5'1/4", a height good enough for a trip to ECAC's. Other All-New England qualifiers included the 800 freshman duo of, Lauren Esposito (2:19.53) and Colleen Burns (2:20.13); senior Missy Bargmann in both the 400 hurdles (68.51) and the 100 hurdles (16.35); and freshman Janice DeJesus, also in the 100 hurdles (16.51).
In relay action, the 4x100 team of senior Melissa Harper, Samadani, sophomore Jessica Carl and Deeb crossed the line in 52.03. Bargmann, Esposito, Deeb and Murphy took care of business in the 4x400, posting a season-best time (4:03.36) and finishing fourth overall. The 4x800 crew was fifth at 9:47.21.
The following weekend, the Jumbos were at Williams for the ECAC Divison III Championships.
Murphy captured the 800 title, while setting a new Tufts record in the process. Her time of 2:12.66 bested her own Tufts record in the event by a full second.
"Caitlin ran her usual strong, competitive race, as she cruised after being set up by a Williams girl" Smith-King said. "She was very much in control, and her performance was simply outstanding. You can never count Caitlin out."
In the 10,000, it was another Jumbo, Manning, who took first place. Like Murphy, she also set a new school record in her event. Manning missed out on an automatic National bid by just six seconds, but still has a good chance of qualifying, according to Smith-King.
"Despite all the stress and pressure, everyone performed their best," Shapiro said. "[Seventh overall] was the best we've done at ECACs in a long time. As for the season as a whole, it was short ut everyone accomplished their goals."
Several Tufts runners competed at the All-New England Championships last weekend (May 14-15) on their home track. Murphy continued to tear up her competition in the 800, taking first place in the event with a time of 2:13.04. Murphy, along with Manning and Esposito, will also be competing at the National Division III Championships.
