Track And Field Recap From New Mexico Team Open

Albuquerque, New Mexico - The Cowgirls' track and field team wrapped up competition at the New Mexico Team Open on Saturday afternoon. NMHU ended with mixed results as they continue preparation for the RMAC Championships which are scheduled to begin at the end of the month.

Going into this weekend's competition Coach Bob DeVries said his team had some specific goals in mind.

Sophomore Ashley Barrett ran a 24.53 in the 200m in a field of NCAA Division I athletes. Her time is the second fastest in the RMAC this season and is her second NCAA Division II qualifying mark of 204-25.

"Getting All American Ashley Barrett on the national list in the 200 meter dash was one of those goals. Check it off," said Head Coach Bob DeVries.

Having freshman Rujeko Munetsi up on the national list in the 60m was another priority for the Cowgirls. Like Barrett, she was in a field of Division I sprinters and had her best collegiate effort coming within five-hundredths of a second from a new personal best.

"Rujeko nailed her start and was on the lead at 30 meters, but she started racing her competition rather than focusing on the phases of her own race," said DeVries, "It's a learning experience."

Cowgirl coaches also hoped to see the 4x400 relay run an NCAA mark on Saturday. Those plans took a hit when the team's #1 400-runner, Kacian Powell, came down with an illness.

Running the first 400 meter race of her career, Munesti put the Cowgirls out front with a powerful opening leg.

"Rujeko really impressed me - and a good call by (Cowgirl assistant) coach Russell to have her run lead-off," said DeVries.

Racing legs two and three, Amoya Jamieson and Barrett kept the Cowgirls out front and on pace to set a qualifying mark as well as take over the top spot on the RMAC performance list.

"A little mixed reaction for us. We're fast, but not deep -- we had to call on a distance runner to anchor the relay-- We have the pieces, but we'll need everyone healthy " added DeVries.

Other top performances from the UNM meet:

Personal bests by Josey French in both the 3000m (11:30) and mile (5:49).

Jamieson set a personal best for the indoor 400 (57.84) and moved into the top ten on the RMAC performance list.

Complete NMHU Track and Field results from the UNM Team Open can be found here. 

The Cowgirls return to action on February 15th at the Colorado Running Company Mountain Lion Open in Colorado Springs.