Whether it was LaTasha Jenkins winning a national championship in 1999 or Amber Williams setting Mid-American Conference Championship records six years ago, Ball State’s women’s track and field teams have enjoyed success historically. After finishing in last at the MAC Championship on Saturday, those accolades could not have felt further away.
Kent State repeated as MAC champion with 169 points, while Ball State struggled to muster a total of four points.
Senior MaryKate Mellen placed fifth in the 1500 meter run finals, and highlighted the Cardinals’ weekend. Mellen’s 4:28.77 time was good enough to earn all four of Ball State’s points for the event.
Junior Alyssa Hurlburt, sophomore Haley Austin and freshman Michaela Hull all competed in field events for Ball State. Austin led the way with a 10th place finish in the high jump at 1.65 meters, Hull placed 12th in the discus with a throw of 43.13 meters and Hurlburt placed 15th in the triple jump, registering 9.88 meters.
Ball State’s youthful 4x100 relay team placed 10th. Sophomores Katie Behrendt, Christina Crawford, Jordan McMillan and freshman Becca Kropf finished the 100 meters in 48.46 seconds.
The Cardinals other relay team placed 12th in the 4x400. Senior Janae Taylor, freshman Danielle Dahl, Behrendt and Kropf ran the mile in 3:58.40.
Sophomore Courtney Edon finished 20th in the 5000 meter run with a time of 18:39.98.
