Sewanee, Tenn. – The Hendrix women’s track and field program wrapped up the 2025 Southern Athletic Association track and field championships with a fifth-place finish.

B Adams highlighed the final day of competition by winning the women’s discus with a 42.93m toss, which was 5.53m further than the runner-up. She narrowly missed out on the podium in the women’s shot put by finishing fourth (12.15m).

Ember Hughes finished 10th in the women’s high jump (1.41m).

On the track, Anna Cantrell made the podium with a second-place finish in the women’s 800m to earn a second-consecutive All-Conference selection.

 

One more for Bulldog history.

The No. 2 seed Fresno State women’s water polo team defeated the No. 3 seed University of the Pacific Tigers 19-12 in the semifinals of the Golden Coast Conference (GCC) tournament on Saturday, April 26, at the Burns Aquatics Center.

The win propels the ‘Dogs to their fifth consecutive GCC championship game. 

“I try not to think about it too much, because each year is a new year,” said Head Coach Natalie Benson. “We get what we deserve, we get what we earn. If we deserve it, we’ll get it.”

Senior utility Brooke Ochoa led the charge for the ‘Dogs with a record-tying seven goals. She also added three assists for a 10-point afternoon. Senior attacker Abbey Simshauser gave the ‘Dogs two goals and five assists for 7 points. 

The ‘Dogs’ depth factored in again with 10 Bulldogs potting a goal despite facing a top-three goalie in the GCC.

“It was a really great thing to see other people step up,” Benson said. “When one of your better players gets taken out, either with foul trouble or just with struggling a little bit, it’s nice to see other people step up.”

A rematch of the GCC season finale proved to have more on the line than tournament seeding: a spot in the GCC championship game. 

What Happened?

Through piercing winds and light showers, the ‘Dogs and Tigers started an intense, emotional game. The ‘Dogs might have been wearing navy, but the crowd was a sea of red.

The crowd fired up the ‘Dogs from the get-go, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead over the Tigers. The Bulldog defense held the Tigers to just one shot in the first four minutes of the first period. Andress and Ochoa started the party for the ‘Dogs on the first four shots of the game. Each goal multiplied the rowdiness from the Red Wave.

A timeout taken by the Tigers shifted the tide, and momentum shifted to the Tigers. Coming out of the timeout and choosing to play 5-on-5 confused the Bulldog defense. 

“You can see their tendencies and stuff like that, but everybody’s got an ace up the sleeve for conference playoffs,” Benson said.

The final possession for the ‘Dogs almost cost them the lead. After a missed shot by Andress, the Tigers launched the ball down the length of the pool and missed the cage by just a few inches. Benson had a loud intermission huddle after. 

This was just the beginning for both coaches.

 The Tigers’ defense was stout against the ‘Dogs down low, trying to spark their offense. The spark was found by none other than Ochoa. 

After both teams traded goals within 15 seconds, the tide turned for the Bulldogs for the rest of the game.

Sophomore defender Sidney Strickland helped out her goalie with two massive blocks in a critical spot, with the ‘Dogs only leading by two.

Andress was called for her second exclusion. One more and she would be done for the day. This was where the depth for the ‘Dogs stepped up.

Senior attacker Ella Simone knocked in a goal to give the ‘Dogs a three-goal advantage, their largest since leading 4-1 in the first period. The Tigers added one to cut back into the Bulldog advantage.

Benson’s halftime message showed success for the ‘Dogs. Everyone caught their breath. With 16 minutes to go with a spot in the championship game on the line, the ‘Dogs were up for the challenge.

Coming out of the break, the crowd was deafening, and the Bulldog bench was barking. Everyone knew what was at stake. 

Both teams continued to trade goals until Simshauser sparked a run that saw the Dogs score three goals in 1:09. With each big moment, the crowd grew exponentially.

The ‘Dogs got a 6-on-5 advantage for only the second time during the three-goal run. During a timeout, Benson was fired up, pushing her players to dig deep.

One coach used her passion to motivate her players, while the other let the moment get too big. After Ochoa scored a breakaway goal, the Tigers’ Head Coach James Graham was issued a yellow card for remarks made toward the officials.

The Tigers went back to 5-on-5 play to start the fourth period, trying to spark a comeback. Ochoa and the ‘Dogs were just too much to handle. 

“[Ochoa is] just ridiculous,” Benson said. “She’s just a competitor, she’s fearless and she’s good on both sides of the ball, and she’s just one of the toughest people I’ve ever met. I think everybody who’s a water polo fan right now is blessed to watch her play.”

Sophomore goalie Ida Tully-Giles came up with her three biggest saves of the day and allowed the ‘Dogs to stretch the lead to eight with just under two minutes to go. 

As the clock ticked to zero, the cheers amped up another level. Nothing was stopping the Bulldog wagon.

Tully-Giles got a pass from Andress to bleed the clock and send the ‘Dogs back to the championship game, defeating the Tigers for the second year in a row in the semifinals. 

Benson let players and the fans relish in the moment postgame. Players and fans joined in their huddle break. An ode to the fans that have supported the ‘Dogs all season long. 

“These parents showing up and these fans showing up to support us, they’re part of our success,” Benson said. “They’re [on this] journey with us. We’re all for the dogs, so let’s get everybody in that circle.”

What’s Next?

It’s a date with Loyola Marymount University for the GCC crown. The ‘Dogs will play for their fifth consecutive GCC title in a rematch of last year’s title game against the host and No. 1 seed Lions on Sunday, April 27, at the Burns Aquatics Center. The Lions are the only team that has defeated the ‘Dogs in conference play this year.

MIDDLETOWN, CONN. (April 26, 2025) – The Tufts University women’s track and field team took third place in the 2025 New England Small College Athletic Conference Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships down in Middletown on the campus of Wesleyan University.

Makayla Moriarty claimed the first win of the day for the Jumbos. The first year ran to first place in the 400m run with a personal best time of 55.96. The time was just a tenth off of the school record and set the 22nd best time in the NCAA Division III.

Arielle Chechile and Emma Smith both set personal records in the 400m Hurdles, as the first year finished third in 1:02.22 and the senior in fourth with a 1:03.01. Phoebe Bryar also set a personal best in the 800m run with a 2:14.83, just before Carly Rinko set a personal best of her own in the 1500m run with a 4:39.88.

The 3000m steeplechase saw three Jumbos set new personal bests, as Lexi Dean, Taylor Neldner and Grace Doyle each broke their personal records. Dean took seventh with an 11:15.00, ahead of Neldner with an 11:37.76 and Doyle with an 11:38.10.

Elizabeth Donhue broke her personal record in the 5000m run en route to seventh place with a 17:17.69. Katya Henisz also broke her personal best in the event with a 17:25.10.

On the field, Elysse Cumberland dominated the competition once again. The first year won the title in the triple jump and the long jump. The long jump came first, and saw Cumberland finish a centimeter ahead of the second best jumper from Middlebury. Her winning mark of 5.76m was just enough to get the Jumbos’ first field event title of the day.

Soon after, Cumberland smashed the competition in the triple jump. She claimed first place with an 11.98m for the sixth best mark in the NCAA Division III. Her winning mark was 22 centimeters ahead of second place senior Jordan Andrew, finishing second with an 11.76m.

First year Mia Kurtz set a new personal best in the shot put, setting a mark of 12.14m for third. Fellow first year Julia Saporito also set a new personal record in the discus throw, tossing a 38.41m throw for third.

The Jumbos will take the week off before heading to New London for the New England Division III Championships on May 2.

–JUMBOS–

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Lindenwood women’s track and field placed five top three finishes at the Rock Chalk Classic hosted on the campus of Kansas University in Lawrence, Kan. The Lions also had five athletes set new personal bests on Saturday.

The lone Lion to post a first place finish was Sa’Nijah Houston after running a 54.34 in the 400 meter. Houston finished first of 26 athletes. Her time of 53.79 in the 400 meter which she hit earlier this season still leads the Ohio Valley Conference.

Jenna Ramadan and Aabby Anderson both finished in the top three of the 3000 meter steeplechase. Ramadan finished in second at the Rock Chalk Classic with a time of 12:32.31 (new PR) while Abby Anderson finished in third with a time of 12:34.30 (new PR).

Chanel Honeywell placed third in the 100 meter after posting a time of 12.00. Jyrah Powell (12.21) and Kristen Hendricks (12.35) also finished in sixth and tenth place respectively in the 100 meters on Saturday. 

Houston closed out the top three finishes for the Lions placing third in the 200 meter with a time of 24.37. Honeywell was right behind her finishing in ninth out of 37 with a time of 25.43. Aliyah Robertson made the finals of the women’s shot put finishing in eighth place with a distance of 13.24m.

Personal Records

Powell: 100m – 12.21

Gabriella Evangelista De La Rosa: 400h – 1:09.74

Ramadan: 3000 Steeplechase  – 12:32.31

Abby Anderson: 3000 Steeplechase – 12:34.30

Kadence Berry: 1500m – 5:00.69

Lindenwood will close out the 2025 outdoor season next weekend at the Music City Challenge in Nashville, Tenn. on the campus of Vanderbilt University. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.

[RESULTS] WATERVILLE, Maine – The University of Maine at Farmington women’s outdoor track & field team edged Thomas College by just two points to win the 2025 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Championship on Saturday at the Alfond Track on the campus of Colby College. The title marks the first NAC women’s outdoor track & field championship in program history.

UMaine-Farmington also won the men’s team title, becoming the first program to sweep the NAC outdoor championships since SUNY Delhi in 2019.

The championship wasn’t decided until the final events, as several key late performances lifted the Beavers to victory. UMF’s 4×400-meter relay team — Cara Perry, Lina Martinez Nocito, Anna MacDonald, and Carrie Burr — secured 10 crucial points with a comfortable win in the meet’s final track event. Around the same time in the throws area, senior Kaitlyn Harmon-Bolding came up clutch in the discus, recording a 29.57m effort on her final attempt to place fourth and add four vital points. Prior to her impressive sixth throw, the senior fell short of 27 meters on each of her previous five attempts.

In the final team standings, UMaine-Farmington finished with 193 points, narrowly ahead of Thomas (191 points). Husson University placed third with 151.5 points, followed by VTSU-Johnson (46.5 points) and Lesley University (1 point). UMaine-Presque Isle competed with individuals but did not record a team score.

UMaine-Farmington won seven total events, including both relay races and individual wins by five individuals: Lina Martinez Nocito (1500), Anna MacDonald (800), Carrie Burr (400-Hurdles), Eve Poteet (5000), and Erica Johnson (Triple Jump).

Thomas College standout Emma Burr put forth an incredible individual effort, as the sophomore competed in 10 total events with six victories and posted a total of 82 points. She highlighted her championship appearance by breaking a pair of NAC records in the Long Jump (5.29m) and 100-Meter Hurdles (15.44). Senior Mary DiSanto also enjoyed a solid showing with wins in the Shot Put and Discus Throw.

Husson University sophomore Alexis Freeman won the Pole Vault with a NAC Championship record 3.00m performance while Ava Dowling (3000-Meter Steeplechase), Molly Dearborn (400), and Megan Fletcher (Hammer) notched individual wins.

VTSU-Johnson junior Kali Wooster posted a second-place finish in the 400-Meter while junior Ida Eames placed second in the 400-Meter Hurdles. Both athletes ran legs for the Badgers’ 4×400-Meter Relay, which finished second with a 1:16.72 time.

Lesley University freshman Rebecca Hall was sixth in the 5000-Meter and UMaine-Presque Isle freshman Evelyn Elijah placed ninth in the Shot Put.

EVENT WINNERS:

100-METER HURDLES: Emma Burr (So., Thomas) – 15.44 – RECORD

100-METER DASH: Emma Burr (So., Thomas) – 12.77

3000-METER STEEPLECHASE: Ava Dowling (Sr., Husson) – 11:59.44

4×100 METER RELAY: UMaine-Farmington – 51.76

Cara Perry, Carrie Burr, Kennedy Todd, Erica Johnson

1500-METER RUN: Lina Martinez Nocito (Fr., UMaine-Farmington) – 5:16.12

400-METER DASH: Molly Dearborn (Fr., Husson) – 1:03.40

800-METER RUN: Anna MacDonald (Sr., UMaine-Farmington) – 2:35.04

400-METER HURDLES: Carrie Burr (Sr., UMaine-Farmington) – 1:13.02

200-METER DASH: Emma Burr (So., Thomas) – 27.20

5000-METER RUN: Eve Poteet (Jr., UMaine-Farmington) – 20:02.44

4×400-METER RELAY: UMaine-Farmington – 4:37.79

Cara Perry, Lina Martinez Nocito, Anna MacDonald, Carrie Burr

SHOT PUT: Mary DiSanto (Sr., Thomas) – 11.36m

DISCUS THROW: Mary DiSanto (Sr., Thomas) – 35.89

LONG JUMP: Emma Burr (So., Thomas) – 5.29m – RECORD

TRIPLE JUMP: Erica Johnson (Jr., UMaine-Farmington – 10.43m

HIGH JUMP: Emma Burr (So., Thomas) – 1.56m

POLE VAULT: Alexis Freeman (So., Husson) – 3.00m – RECORD

JAVELIN THROW: Emma Burr (So., Thomas) – 33.00m

HAMMER THROW: Megan Fletcher (Jr., Husson) – 38.88m

LOS ANGELES – The rematch is set as LMU Women’s Water Polo advances to the Golden Coast Conference Championship Game after defeating San Diego State, 16-10, on Saturday night in the semifinals. The top-seeded Lions will face Fresno State Sunday at 1:00 PM in a rematch of last year’s title game which went to overtime.
 
Ruth Arino Ruiz opened the scoring on LMU’s first possession, but the Aztecs provided an answer to even the score at 1-1 less than a minute into play. Sophia DeMattia scored back-to-back goals to push LMU’s lead to 3-1. The two sides split the final three goals of the first quarter as senior captains Arino Ruiz and Yanah Gerber twice gave the Lions a 6-4 lead. 
 
A second quarter penalty goal by Carolina Magano gave LMU a 7-4 advantage. After San Diego State pulled back within two Gerber scored her third of the game to give LMU a 8-5 lead heading into the half.
 
The Aztecs scored the first three goals of the second half to tie the score at 8-all, forcing an LMU timeout. The Lions responded with the final three goals of the third as again Arino Ruiz scored one and Gerber added two more to bring the lead back to three.
 
Less than three minutes into the fourth quarter, Gerber scored her sixth and seventh goals of the game to push the Lions ahead 13-9. Mikayla Lopez, Skye Nankervis, and Lily Larson pushed the lead to seven in the final two minutes of the game. San Diego State scored one late to give the Lions a 16-10 lead and a return to the Championship Game.
 
Alyssa Barnuevo made 11 saves in the cage and added two assists and a steal. 
 
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With the win, the Lions advance to the finals and will face Fresno State back at the Burns Aquatics Center at 1:00 PM.
 
Tickets to the 2025 GCC Women’s Water Polo Championship are available in advance of the tournament online through the LMU Ticket Office or by calling 310-338-5466. Once games begin, tickets will also be available for purchase on site at the entry gate to the Burns Aquatics Center.   

 

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