Women's Track and Field Opens Indoor Season at Houghton

HOUGHTON, N.Y. - The Juniata women's track and field team opened up the indoor track and field portion of the 2022-23 season at the Houghton December Classic on Friday. 

Ashley Alfree began her collegiate career by running the 200-meter race in 31.21 seconds to finish the event in 27th place.  

Olivia Barbacci led the way for Juniata in the 300-meter event with a time of 45.36 to finish in 12th of 21 competitors, while Rebecca Christophel finished in 16th with a time of 47.29. They each set historical marks for the program in 300-meter races, with Barbacci holding the second-quickest time in the 300-meter, while Christophel has the fifth-best time. 

Christophel then went on to finish sixth place overall while winning her heat in the 600-meter race with a time of 1:47.77. She's the first to compete in the 600-meter event, setting the baseline time for the women's indoor track & field program.

The women's team competed in four field events, including the pole vault, high jump, weight throw, and shot put. 

Barbacci placed third of 21 attempting the pole vault eclipsing 2.90 meters, which now stands as the third-best mark in the program history for indoor track and field. Alfree attempted the pole vault but was unable to surpass the initial 2.30-meter mark.  

Alfree tied for eighth out of the 19 competing in the high jump with a mark of 1.36 meters. 

Nandee Correia was ninth of 30th competitors in the weight throw with an 11.97-meter throw.  

Correia also placed ninth in the shot put with a 10.17-meter mark on her third attempt out of 36 competing in the event. 

The Eagles return to action following the winter break as they head to Lehigh University on Saturday, January 21st.