UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State track & field team concluded competition in the NCAA First Round Saturday in Lexington, Kentucky. One student-athlete earned her third trip to outdoor nationals, while two others finished their campaigns in the program Top-10.
Hayley Kitching was the lone Nittany Lion to qualify for the national championships. Kitching’s 1:59.15 in the 800-meter run topped her heat, punching a ticket to her third outdoor national championships. The Coffs Harbour, Australia native returns after previously competing in 2023-24, including a third-place finish in 2024.
Allison Johnson and Boh Ritchie joined Kitching in the women’s 800-meter run and ended their outdoor seasons with personal records. Johnson clocked a 2:02.65, while Ritchie finished at 2:03.30. Both times placed in the program Top-10, with Johnson moving to fourth and Ritchie improving her sixth-fastest time.
Other Nittany Lions who competed Saturday included Allison Doughtery, who ran a 10:24.36 in the women’s 3000-meter steeplechase. Hannah Riolo jumped a 5-9.25 (1.76m) in the women’s high jump, while Marie-Eloise LeClair posted a 23.06 in the women’s 200-meter dash.
UP NEXT
The blue and white will send 10 athletes to compete in the NCAA Outdoor Championships, held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. The four-day meet begins Wednesday, June 10 and runs through Saturday, June 13.
FOLLOW THE NITTANY LIONS
Follow along with the team on our social media pages: Facebook (PennStateTFXC), X and Instagram (both @pennstatetfxc). Live updates on meet day regarding weather, start times and other important notes will be posted on X.