Dec. 8, 2008

EASTON, Pa. - The Lafayette track and field team hosted its indoor season opener on Saturday, and four Leopards won their respective events to lead Lafayette's overall impressive showing.

Senior Kelly Hinkel won the pole vault (9'11.75") while junior Connor McGee won the shot put (48'04"). Sophomore Allison Hawkey and freshman Chris Pregler both claimed the 880 yard run with times of 2:22.94 and 1:58.08, respectively.

Sophomore Jennifer Kihm followed Hinkel in the pole vault with her second-place finish (9'11.75"). Senior Jessica Buzzell finished the day with two second-place performances for the women's team, who was picked second in the Patriot League preseason poll. The 2008 Patriot League Outdoor Long Jump Champion placed second in the long jump (17'01.50") as well as the 60 yard hurdles with a time of 8.64.

Freshman Krista Woodward finished third behind Buzzell in the long jump (17.01.50") while sophomore Kerriann Borke placed fourth in the 60 yard hurdles (8.93).

The men's team had no problem complementing the women's outing. Along with Pregler, three other Leopards placed within the top five finishers of the 880 yard run. Matt Piazza finished second (1:59.04), Mike McCulloch picked up a third-place finish (2:00.48) and Ryan Stasiowski rounded out at fifth place (2:02.42).

The men also posted a strong showing in the weight throw. Junior captain Seamas McGuire finished second (48'06") and was followed by classmate Connor McGee at third (46'10") and sophomore Matt Crystal at fourth (46'04").

Senior Matt Shaia shined in the high jump with a second-place finish (6'02.75") and produced a third-place finish in long jump (20'06.25"). Junior Sifiso Takirambudde finished as the runner-up in the 60 yard hurdles with a time of 7.81.

Lafayette enjoys a month-long break before returning to action in the Army Invitational in West Point, N.Y., on Jan. 10 at 11:00 a.m.