Worcester State Women Deliver Strong All-Around Effort at Massasoit Classic

Worcester, MA- The Worcester State University women's indoor track & field team turned in a strong, Worcester-centric performance at the Massasoit Classic, hosted by Springfield College, highlighted by multiple top-five finishes on the track and in the field as the Lancers continued to build momentum during the indoor season.

Distance events proved to be a major highlight for Worcester State, led by a pair of standout efforts in the 5,000 meters. First year Anna Serafini (Leominster, MA) raced to a fourth-place finish with a time of 20:30.38, while sophomore Samantha Edwards (East Longmeadow, MA) followed closely behind in fifth at 20:57.81, giving the Lancers two top-five performances in one of the meet's most demanding events. In the 3,000 meters, senior Kelsey Gendreau (Seekonk, MA) added a solid 15th-place finish.

In the middle distances, senior Bridget O'Malley (Leominster, MA) paced the Lancers in the 600 meters, finishing 12th in 1:51.60. She was joined by first years Janine Betcher (Fontana, CA) and Caydence Carr (Upton, MA), who placed 14th and 17th respectively. The 800 meters featured consistent efforts from veteran runners, as seniors Leah Berg (Worcester, MA) finished 14th and Claudia Symonick (Auburn, MA) placed 15th.

Worcester State saw depth in the sprints, led by junior Alexis Strong (Southington, CT), who placed 12th in the 200 meters with a time of 28.25 and followed that performance with a fourth-place finish in the long jump, clearing 4.91 meters. Sophomore Emily Bodwell (Lakeville, MA) and first year Peyton Watkins (Salisbury, MA) added solid efforts in the 200 meters, while junior Mia Guinto (West Boylston, MA) represented the Lancers in both the 200 and 400 meters.

The Lancers' field athletes continued to make an impact, highlighted by a strong day in the pole vault. First year Gabriella Fischel (Westport, CT) earned a fourth-place finish after clearing 2.30 meters, while fellow first year Peyton Watkins (Salisbury, MA) followed with a sixth-place showing. In the triple jump, Betcher and Bodwell finished eighth and ninth respectively.

In the throws, first year Jenna Lopez (West Springfield, MA) led Worcester State with a seventh-place finish in the shot put, posting a mark of 10.28 meters, and followed it up with a top-10 performance in the weight throw. Sophomore Charlotte Collins (Weymouth, MA) and junior Luana Grau-Moura (Marlborough, MA) added consistent performances across both throwing events.

Worcester State closed the meet with a strong relay showing, as the 4x400m  team of first year Tamara Ayala-Garcia, Betcher, Carr, and senior O'Malley finished sixth overall with a time of 4:38.22.

The women put their skill to the test again next weekend at the Reggie Lewis Open and Mary Grinaker.