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Track & Field Battles Wet Weather on Day Two of Penn Relays

PHILADELPHIA – The Penn State track & field team battled the rain during day two of the 127th Penn Relays on Friday, finishing strong through a steady downpour.
 
The rain began early and didn't let up all day as the Nittany Lions braved the wet weather for the majority of the competition. Kileigh Kane, Zoey Goldstein, Victoria Vanriele, and Faith DeMars cruised through the rain to etch their names in Penn State's history books, recording the eighth-fastest DMR in school history. Additionally, the men's 4x400 squad qualified for an appearance in tomorrow's Men's 4x400 Championship of America final round.
 
TRACK EVENT SUMMARY
 
Penn State began its day with relay competition, with the men's distance medley relay group of Drew Maher, Savion Hebron, James Kisker, and Christopher DeSousa finishing in 9:53.97. The women's group, competing in the Distance Medley Championship of America, crossed the line in 11:18.98, the eighth-fastest time in the event in school history.
 
In the Men's 4x400 Championship of America preliminary round, Penn State's group of Austin Gallant, Carter Fitzgerald, James Onwuka, and Callum Dodds finished second in their heat with a 3:10.15. The group will compete in the championship finals Saturday afternoon.
 
The Nittany Lions finished their track events with a pair of rainy sprint-medley relay efforts. The women posted a 3:54.44 to come in fourth place overall with the men's group also coming in fourth with a 3:28.06.
 
FIELD EVENT SUMMARY
 
Maddie Pitts and Chloe Royce, Penn State's multi-event athletes, kicked off field action for the Nittany Lions in the long jump. Pitts leapt 18-2.25 (5.54m) and Royce jumped 18-1.5 (5.52m), finishing 17th and 18th, respectively.
 
In the college men's high jump, Isaac Osifo finished tied for third place, clearing a season-best 6-5.5 (1.97m). Joey Walker and Timothy Watson each cleared the same height, with Walker clearing it on his second attempt, and Watson his third. Carlie Wilson and Gwen Cudmore each competed in the college women's high jump, with Wilson earning fourth place with her 5-2.5 (1.59m) jump.
 
In the college men's shot put, Duane Knisely (54-5.5 (16.60m)) and Dylan Lambrecht (53-8.5 (16.37m)) pushed through the wet conditions to post solid marks.
 
Shannon Mullin posted a 37-3.25 (11.36m) in the college women's triple jump, while Audrey Friedman wrapped up day two competition with a second-place finish in the college women's javelin throw. The freshman posted a 142-9 (43.51m) throw to claim the second spot.
 
UP NEXT
 
Penn State will return to action tomorrow for day three of the Penn Relays. The Nittany Lions' Friday schedule will begin at 9:30 a.m.
 
FOLLOW THE NITTANY LIONS
 
Follow along with the team on our social media pages on Facebook (PennStateTFXC) and Twitter/Instagram (@pennstatetfxc).