Rowan women’s outdoor track and field competed in multiple meets over the weekend, first at the Sam Howell Invitational hosted by Princeton University on April 4, followed by the Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic and the Ursinus Track & Field Festival on April 5. 

While there was no team scoring at both Princeton and Ursinus, head coach Shedrick Elliott III was pleased with how his team performed as individuals.

“I would pretty much say it was as good of a start as we could have anticipated,” said Elliot III.

The highlight of the weekend for the Profs was graduate student Izzy Deal’s performance at the Ursinus Track & Field Festival. The Sewell native tied a personal record in the shot (13.92 meters) and then took home first in the javelin (41.29 meters), which is also the No. 4 finish in the country. Deal, who completed her undergraduate degree at Ursinus, was happy to improve from her last competition. 

“I would say kind of a highlight just because, especially coming off of Florida, I wasn’t a hundred percent happy with that,” said Deal. “So to be at my actual old stomping grounds, it was just a really good experience. So happy to be there.” 

The Profs were also well-represented at the Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic, as senior Nevaeh Lorjuste posted a No. 3 Division III time in the 400 meters (56.91) and senior Molly Lodge ran her second-fastest career time in the 400-meter hurdles (1:01.69). Elliot III was extremely pleased with the standout performances from both Lodge and Lorjuste. 

“I’d say starting with Molly with the 400 hurdles, she went up there, it was just a tenth of a second off of her PR. For that to be her very first race in the four hurdles was absolutely amazing,” said Elliot III. “Nevaeh had a solid opener in the open, which was actually phenomenal.” 

Lodge and Lorjuste joined senior Jasmine Broadway and freshman Ava Riley by posting a top-10 Division III time in the 4×400 relay with a mark of 3:50.34. Elliot III was happy with how his athletes performed in the relay, but knows there is always room for improvement. 

“There was something that they could walk away and build off of,” said Elliot III. 

The Profs will return home this weekend to host the ninth-annual Oscar Moore Invitational in Glassboro, New Jersey at Coach Richard Wackar Stadium. Elliot III is hoping the weather will be cooperative for the team and is eager to continue their early-season success. 

“Hopefully, the weather can cooperate with us,” said Elliot. “ Continue to build off of what they’ve been doing so far.” 

For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @TheWhitSports or email sports@thewhitonline.com