CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Davis & Elkins University men's and women's track and field turned in standout performances at the Virginia Challenge, hosted by the University of Virginia at Lannigan Field from April 16-18, highlighted by a school-record effort in the 5,000 meters from Jeanne Pelissier and a top NCAA Division II finish from Jordan Thomas.
On the women's side, Lauren Twyman placed 34th in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 4:35.98, followed by Savanna Hardman in 37th at 4:36.37.
The highlight of the meet came in the 5,000 meters, where Jeanne Pelissier placed third overall in section one with a school-record time of 16:57.87. Pelissier became the first female in program history to break the 17-minute barrier in the 5K. She was the top NCAA Division II finisher in the section and posted her mark against a deep field that included athletes from Pitt, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, Syracuse, Delaware, Marshall, Army and Navy, among others.
On the men's side, Slate Swiger finished 45th in the 1,500 meters with a time of 3:58.29. Cooper Gibson, Fletcher Van Heuven and Max Wildbore did not start the event.
In the 5,000 meters, Jordan Thomas delivered a strong performance, finishing second in section two and 10th overall with a time of 14:35. Thomas was the top NCAA Division II finisher in the event and competed against a nationally competitive field that included runners from Ohio State, Ole Miss, Temple, Navy and Marshall, among others.
The Virginia Challenge featured a deep field of programs including Penn State, Marshall, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Liberty, Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, Princeton, James Madison, Youngstown State, Bucknell, Temple, UMBC, Ashland and others.
Davis & Elkins returns to action April 26-28 at the Mountain East Conference Outdoor Championships in Morgantown, W.Va.
RESULTS
Men's 1500m
45th – Slate Swiger – 3:58.29
DNS – Cooper Gibson
DNS – Fletcher Van Heuven
DNS – Max Wildbore
Men's 5000m
2nd (Section 2), 10th overall – Jordan Thomas – 14:35.00
Women's 1500m
34th – Lauren Twyman – 4:35.98
37th – Savanna Hardman – 4:36.37
Women's 5000m
3rd (Section 1) – Jeanne Pelissier – 16:57.87
