Knepper Claims Event Title Opening Day of Heart Championships

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Mount Mercy's Abby Knepper claimed an event title on day one of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Knepper won the 5,000-meter run with a time of 18:30.14, finishing 12 seconds ahead of the next competitor and moving into third place in Mount Mercy's record book. Also competing in the race were Kayla Overton, who placed seventh in 19:46.40, and Ruth Jennings, who finished ninth in 19:48.12.

Mount Mercy's women's 4x400-meter relay team—Catie Reittinger, Annabelle Neal, Ester Attwood, and J'Lyn Knutson—secured fourth place with a time of 9:56.69. In the 600-meter race, Corinne Gadient finished fourth, clocking in at 1:36.64.

In field events, Ava Conrad led the Mustangs in the weight throw with a toss of 15.65 meters, earning fourth place. Bre Nail followed closely, finishing fifth with a throw of 15.46 meters, while Alyssa Striegel placed ninth with a mark of 14.85 meters.

The pole vault saw Carla Santos finishing third with a height of 3.00 meters.

The Mustangs return to the track on February 15 for day two of the Heart of America Conference Championships.