At 117th Penn Relays, Barito Becomes an Automatic NCAA Qualifier
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. and EWING, N.J. (April 28-29, 2011) – Senior Laura Barito of the Stevens Institute of Technology women’s track and field team ran a national automatic-qualifying time of 1:01.71 in the 400-meter hurdles as she competed at the 117th Penn Relays. Before Thursday’s race in Philadelphia, her time would have been the best finish in that event in the entire nation this year. She is now guaranteed a place at the 2011 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship in Delaware, Ohio.
Sophomore Maggie Kowalska also had a nice day competing at the Penn Relays, as she posted a great javelin mark- one of the best of her career- at 41.11 meters (134’11”). It was good for ninth place at the prestigious event.
Barito was beaten out by Heather Gearity (Rutherford, N.J.) of Montclair State University who edged her by half a second in the 400-hurdles for first place and the lowest national time so far this season.
In addition, some Duck throwers were getting a head start on TCNJ’s Lion Invitational by competing on Friday evening. Junior Alina Duran threw the hammer 42.66 meters (140’) to lead the Ducks there.