Althoff Claims Third, DeFord Sets PR to Lead Mustangs’ Weekend

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Mount Mercy took part in the WashU Distance Carnival, where Abby Knepper claimed 11th place in the women's 3000-meter steeplechase, clocking in at 11:01.82. Meanwhile, Kalin Rotzoll crossed the finish line in 35th position in the women's 10,000 meters with a time of 37:39.71.

Mount Mercy University wrapped up the SLU Billiken Invitational on Saturday with standout performances, highlighted by Emma Althoff's impressive third-place finish in the women's 5000 meters and a strong showing from Natalie DeFord, who took third in the discus and sixth in the hammer throw.

Gralynn Martin clocked in at 13.75 in the 100 meters to secure 22nd place, and she finished 27th in the 200 meters with a time of 28.19. Dayna Maiers completed the 100 meters in 14.26 for a 25th place finish. Ashlie Kascel and Esther Oyunge ran the 200 meters in 28.76 and 29.01, respectively. Skylar Palmgren grabbed 12th place in the 400 meters with a time of 1:01.19.

Catie Reittinger placed 7th in the 800 meters, clocking a time of 2:21.61 and earning 2 points. Olivia Norrish, Cora McArtor, and Maria Dudzik followed with times of 2:38.89, 2:38.94, and 2:47.01.

Althoff took 3rd in the 5000 meters, finishing at 19:14.01 and scoring 6 points. In the 1500 meters, Abby Knepper placed 5th with a time of 4:50.65, earning 4 points.

Danielle Dimmings competed in the 100 hurdles, finishing 13th with a time of 18.33. Unfortunately, she was disqualified in the 400 hurdles.

Gift Gonpue's leap of 5.15m earned her 8th place in the long jump and 1 point. Brooklyn Johnson finished 12th in the triple jump with a mark of 10.25m (wind: 3.3).

DeFord excelled, taking 3rd in the discus with a mark of 41.34m, setting a new personal record, and placing 6th in the hammer at 43.38m. She also competed in the shot put, where she placed 13th with a mark of 10.17m. Allee Clark and Claire Hynek finished 18th and 22nd in the shot put with marks of 8.48m and 7.66m, respectively.

In the javelin, Miyah Fox and Maiers placed 10th and 16th with throws of 33.42m and 26.99m.

The Mustangs turn their focus to hosting the Mustangs Distance Carnival and Open on April 10.