May 19—PRINCETON — The Lady Hatchets Track and Field team placed 5th overall and came home with a Sectional Champion, new School Record Holder, and three individual athletes advancing on to next week. Senior Megan Hinkle, junior Molly Jones and sophomore Kapri Granger will be representing the Lady Hatchets in pole vault, 400m dash, 1600m and 3200m run in Regional.

Sophomore, Kapri Granger, took home a Sectional Championship title in pole vault with her clearance of 9'6" winning the event.

"That jump also sealed Granger yet another new school record in which she currently holds but continues to beat, increasing the height meet by meet. She brings such great energy and it's exciting to know she's only a sophomore as she continues to chip away at big goals. Kapri also finished 8th in the 100m hurdles," said Kristin McGuire.

Molly Jones, junior, achieved a 2nd place finish in the 400m dash with a time of 1:03.13. Last year she missed advancing by only 1 second in this same event and that has played over and over in her mind for a year. Jones was waiting for this redeemable moment and she was sure to capitalize on her chance with a hard fought race, rightfully earning the spot she's worked to achieve all year. Molly also ran anchor for the 4x4 team that had a 4th place finish with a new PR time of 4:26.83.

A huge highlight of the night was when senior Megan Hinkle knocked 20 seconds off her 3200m time to clinch her 3rd place spot to ensure her advancement. Hinkle has also been called back to compete in the 1600m run.

"She had yet another PR in the mile, getting her time down to 5:54.89. Megan is a prime example of someone who will never give up and is going to push through with anything she possibly has left to give. Pairing this character trait, on top of being a senior, created an extra layer of determination that she wasn't shy to display," she added.

"Hearing our entire team share in just as much passion and excitement for their teammates, even if their goals were just shattered five minutes before, exemplifies the type of culture and bond that we love about our team. There were several heartbreaks throughout the night which is the worst part of the season's ending, especially when it's seniors or athletes that had a big shot on continuing their season another week. Track & Field is such an incredibly challenging sport mentally and that is something our team continues to strive on improving," said McGuire.

Senior Ellie Matteson finished in 7th place for the 200m dash and was part of the 4x4 relay team. This concluded her successful track and field career. She has been a vital part of our track and field family for many reasons and she will be missed tremendously.

Other placements for the night consisted of the 4x8 relay team placing 5th with Alejandra Gomez, Ally Decker, Paige Dills and Ayla Owens. Owens also cleared 8'0 in pole vault that landed her in 7th place along with being part of the 4x4 team's 4th place finish. Jasara Turner, sophomore, finished 7th in long jump with a new PR and had an 8th place finish in the 200m dash. Turner was also part of the 4x4 team. Bree Browning threw for an 8th place finish in discus. Other PR's that didn't place were Adda Conder in the 300m hurdles 57.63, Ally Decker in 800m 2:45.39 and Alleigh Baxter in shot 23'5".

"All these athletes continue to make great strides and it is going to be an exciting few years with them continuing to improve and make their mark on our program," said McGuire.