Rowan women’s outdoor track and field team showed improvement at the TCNJ Lions Invitational on April 25 and 26 in Ewing, NJ, and Penn Relays from April 24-26 in Philadelphia. 

While there was no team scoring at the meets, the Profs achieved several season bests and PRs. Head coach Shedrick Elliot III was pleased by the performance from the 4×400 relay at The Penn Relays. 

“ I felt like overall pretty solid,” said Elliot III. “Certainly highlighted by the four by four at that time. Good starting point for us.”

The 4×400 relay turned in a season-best time (3:48.10) in the preliminary on Friday. Seniors Molly Lodge and Jasmine Broadway, along with freshmen Nyla Jones and Ava Reilly moved into the top 10 in Division III. Reilly stated that her mentality was to stay calm and do her best. 

“ I do struggle with nerves, but I was just trying to stay calm and say it’s a great opportunity to be here,” said Reilly. “I’m just gonna take this opportunity and run to the best of my ability.” 

While being a freshman on the team, Reilly wanted to make sure that everything that she does in practice pays off. 

“ I work my butt off every day at practice,” said Reilly. “If you work hard at practice, that’s how you’re gonna compete. That’s just always my mindset. Put in the work in practice and it’ll pay off.”

Another highlight for the Profs over the weekend was senior Anna Sasse’s first-place performance (2:13.74) in the 800 meters at the TCNJ Lions Invitational. The Williamstown native was thrilled that her game plan went as she wanted. 

“ I just wanted to be fearless with my racing and execute my plan that I had, which was to try and win the race, and it worked out super well,” said Sasse. 

Sasse highlighted how if the team is doing well, then it has an impact on her. 

“ I love when the team’s doing well, everyone’s happy and motivating each other,” said Sasse. 

The Profs will be back in action this weekend as they look to win their first NJAC Championship since 2019, as they return to TCNJ in Ewing, NJ on May 3 and 4. Elliot III stated that he is making sure that the team is ready to compete this weekend. 

“ Making sure our energy is up, our focus is there, and just simply putting our best foot forward,” said Elliot III.

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