GVSU's Liz Murphy Claims D-II Championship in Hammer Throw

Release courtesy of the GVSU Sports Information Department

Turlock, Calif. - Grand Valley State sophomore Liz Murphy gave the Lakers' women's track and field team a strong boost on the opening day of the Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Thursday (May 26) in Turlock, Calif. by being crowned the individual national champion in the hammer throw. GVSU also had nine athletes compete in the 1500 meter run and 3000 meter steeplechase events, with all nine qualifying for the finals of those events.

After Thursday's opening day, where three of 21 events have been scored, Grand Valley State is in first place with 14 points, slightly ahead of UC-San Diego (13 points). New Mexico Highlands and Western Washington are tied with 10 points apiece, while Western State and Chadron State are tied for fifth place with eight points each.

Murphy's first throw sailed 59.11 meters and ended up not only being her best throw, but the best toss in the entire competition, giving her the Division II National Championship. Her national championship throw gave GVSU 10 points in the team competition. Freshman Alyssa Zokoe also fared well in the hammer throw by placing fifth with a toss of 55.46 meters, which also came on her first throw. Zokoe's throw earned the Lakers four points in the team standings. Sophomore Katelyn Fox also competed in the event, finishing 14th with a throw of 50.76 meters.

GVSU had four student-athletes compete in the prelims of the 1500 meter run and all four Lakers qualified for the finals, scheduled for Saturday. Senior Katherine McCarthy finished first in the opening heat with a time of 4:30.39, while classmate Eileen Creutz was third in the second heat after a time of 4:29.69. The fastest time of the four Lakers was recorded by junior Monica Kinney, whose time of 4:29.53 was good for second-best in the second heat. Freshman Madie Rodts also qualified with a time of 4:33.68 after finishing seventh in the second heat.

The Lakers again were perfect in the 3000 meter steeplechase prelims, as all five athletes qualified for Friday night's finals. Senior Rebecca Winchester finished first in the first heat with a time of 10:46.15, while junior Kelly Crowley tallied a time of 10:46.52, fifth-best in the second heat. Finishing fourth in the first heat was junior Karie McDonald with a time of 10:47.48, while freshman Hannah Osborn was fifth in the same heat by crossing the line in 10:48.43. Senior Jessie Vickers also qualified for Friday's finals with a time of 10:53.63, seventh-fastest in the second heat.

In the 10,000 meter run, senior Kylen Cieslak placed 18th with a time of 38:07.14.

Competition continues on Friday (May 27) and Saturday (May 28) in Turlock, Calif., being hosted by Cal State Stanislaus.