Miranda Walker clocks big PR at Stanford

FAYETTEVILLE – Select members of the Arkansas Razorback women’s track and field team competed at the Stanford Invitational, Friday and Saturday, in Palo Alto, Calif.

"We had some really positive events at Stanford," head coach Lance Harter said. "Miranda Walker made a huge breakthrough in the 5,000 meters, especially after dropping out of the race at the SEC Indoor Championships. She ran a really smart, really competitive race. The 1,500 meters went really well for us and I think that’s definitely going to be one of our strongest events this season. Shelise Williams and Leah Orley ran really well in the sprints events. Shelise is continuing on with the progress she made during the indoor season. Leah ran a great race, pretty much by herself."

Junior Miranda Walker won the third section of the 5,000 meters. She clocked a 30-second personal-best time of 16:28.75. Her time ranks No. 2 in the SEC.

Junior Shelise Williams won the 400 meters in a time of 52.78. Her time leads the NCAA and the SEC. Freshman Leah Orley won her heat and finished third overall in the 400-meter hurdles. She clocked a time of 1:01.13.

In the 1,500 meters, sophomore Samantha Learch was third in the third section, clocking a 4:28.82. Her time leads the SEC. Freshman Stephanie Brown finished ninth in the second section with a time of 4:28.93. Her time is No. 2 in the SEC. Sophomore Taylor Johnson finished second in the fifth section with a personal-best time of 4:29.87. Her time is No. 3 in the SEC.

Sophomore Kristen Gillespie made her outdoor debut for the Razorbacks on Saturday at Stanford. She finished second in her heat and 10th overall with a time of 2:08.24. Her time leads the SEC.

The remaining squad members will compete at Saturday’s Razorback Spring Invitational at John McDonnell Field.