Razorbacks improve in various events at Arkansas Qualifier

FAYETTEVILLE – In the final meet prior to conference, the Razorbacks turned in some impressive marks during the Arkansas Qualifier on Friday at the Randal Tyson Track Center.

Anna Podojil established a career best of 2:03.17 to place third in the 800m and moved to No. 8 on the UA all-time list. TCU’s Tabith Ngao was the overall winner in 2:01.71.

Arkansas also had runners finish fifth and sixth overall in the 800m with Ainsley Erzen (2:04.16) and Tiana LoStracco (2:05.22). Sorcha Shiu set a PR of 2:08.06 in placing 10th.

“We were trying to get a few things done, but came up short of our goal,” noted Arkansas women’s head coach Chris Bucknam. “Never less, we still had some improvements in some events. We’re shaping up and getting prepared for the conference meet.

“Anna is a hard working young lady and is very dedicated. She always comes with a hard hat on and a great attitude. She’s a pleasure to work with. After being away from track for four to five years, she has come back and is very competitive and tenacious. Plus, the 800m is something that is very new to her.”

Sydney Thordvaldson, competing unattached this indoor season, set a career best of 4:40.98 in winning the mile while Razorback Olivia Pielemeier set at PR of 4:45.20 in placing fourth.

Another section of the mile was claimed by Razorback Morgan Kirkland in a career best of 4:52.87 with teammate Mackenzie Rogers runner-up in 4:54.49. Career best times were also set by Bradley Weimer (4:55.02) and Ruby Little (4:55.68).

Alum Nickisha Pryce won a section of the 400m in 51.45 to place third overall behind fellow Jamaicans Leah Anderson (51.27) and Stacey Ann Williams (51.43).

Razorback Analisse Batista registered a PR of 52.89 in placing third in the section with Pryce and finished seventh overall. Batista’s improved upon her best of 53.01 from the Tyson Invitational the previous week.

Skye Tolbert led the crew of Razorbacks in the pole vault, clearing 13-7.25 (4.15) to place ninth. Hannah Estes and Addison Richey matched that height in finishing 10th and 11th while Rachel Homoly tied for 12th with a 13-1.5 (4.00) clearance.

Alum Taliyah Brooks won the long jump with a leap of 21-0.5 (6.41), just missing the meet record of 21-1.5 (6.44) she set as a Razorback in 2017.