ALLENDALE, Mich. & YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Oakland Golden Grizzlies wrapped up their second-to-last weekend of the regular indoor season Friday at the GVSU Big Meet and the Youngstown State Last Chance, turning in strong performances across the board before the postseason.
At Grand Valley State, Haileigh Bissett led the way in the women's mile, clocking a personal record of 4:59.98 to finish sixth overall, while Eliza Bush posted a 16:54.64 followed by teammate Courtney Bovair in the women's 5000m. Makenna Scott added a strong performance in the women's 3000m, crossing in 10:15.16, as Anthony Hancock was the lone runner for the men's team with an 8:29.76 effort in the 3000m.
The field events in Allendale were equally productive. Simon Griemert cleared 4.37m in the men's pole vault, securing a fifth-place finish. On the women's side, Allison Shelton matched that fifth-place finish with a season-best clearance of 3.43m, while Genna Golab added a 3.28m clearance to cap off a solid day for the vault crew.
In Horizon League territory at the YSU Last Chance, Ja-Van Poole led with a pair of standout races, clocking in a 22.11 in the 200m before following it up with an impressive 48.14 in the 400m. Evan Bryan added depth in the 200m with a 22.50, while Austin Graham finished the 400m in 52.70.
The Golden Grizzlies' women also delivered solid results in the sprint events. Catherine Leahy paced Oakland in both races she contested, running 25.07 in the 200m and posting a strong 56.14 in the 400m. A'naia Herd followed with a 58.17 clock in the 400, while Olivia Reynolds contributed times of 26.22 in the 200m and 58.95 in the 400m. Natalia Bohn rounded out the group with a 1:02.33 effort in the 400m race.
Oakland's throwers provided several notable results throughout the day. In the women's shot put, Jamie Giese led the Grizzlies with a throw of 14.95m, while Desteny DeJarnett followed at 13.02m. Lainee Wagner and Jada Ewell also contributed marks of 10.44 and 10.30 meters, respectively.
The weight throw events capped the meet with strong efforts for Oakland. Blake Foster recorded a 16.25m throw on the men's side, while Elizabeth Rice highlighted the women's competition with a 17.57m mark.
Oakland is back on the track for their final indoor meet of the regular season at Saginaw Valley State for the SVSU Tune-Up on Friday, Feb. 20.
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