The Missouri State track and field team concluded the Kansas Relays Saturday, April 19, in Lawrence, Kan. with solid performances in several events, including NCAA qualifying marks in the 4X400 meter relay, 1500-meter run and 800-meter run.
Sophomore Leander Ernest claimed a victory in the 800-meter invitational run with a time of 2:06.45 minutes. Her time is the ninth fastest time in the nation this season and tops the Missouri Valley Conference’s performance list.
Distance runner Asher Kyger set a new Missouri State school record with a third-place finish in the 1500 meter invitational run with a time of 4:26.20. Teammate Emily Fletcher competed in the 1500-meter college run and placed third with a time of 4:42.01.
Freshman Terry Phillips added a fifth-place in the 3000 meter steeplechase, crossing the line at 11:29.23.
The Bears set new season best marks in the 4X100 and 4X400 relay events. Cortenee Boulard, Rashisa Allen, Yaneika Malcolm and Ernest teamed for a time of 47.18 in the 4X100 to capture second-place. Jacqui Lindsey, Malcolm, Renna Berry and Ernest finished third in the 4X400 with a time of 3:41.39. Their time in the relay is the fastest time posted in the Valley this season.
Up next for the Bears is the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa. The meet begins at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 24 and will conclude on Sunday, April 26.
