March 5, 2022

TU's 4x8 Finishes as NAIA Runner-Up

Brookings, S.D. – In an exhilarating 4x800-meter relay final, the Taylor women's squad of Abbey Brennan, Giovanna Domene, Corinne O'Leary and Brooke Studnicki finished as the NAIA runner-up. The group claimed the NAIA National Title in 2021, and were able to return all four women to take second place in 2022. TU's crew clocked the fastest time in Taylor history, 9:15.42, one day after already breaking the school record in prelims. TU battled with the Dordt women in all four legs, however, Dordt was able to pull off the victory and claim the title with a time of 9:08.57.

In the 60-meter hurdle prelims, Patience Sakeuh and Audrey Altum posted lifetime-best marks. Sakeuh competed in heat two and finished second with a time of 8.68. Altum crossed the line in second place in heat three, logging a mark of 8.84. In order to qualify for finals, the top-time in each heat, plus the next four-best times advance. Sakeuh earned an at-large qualification, and will enter the finals tomorrow with the seventh-fastest time. Altum did not advance to finals, however the junior ended in 11th place overall, improving upon her initial ranking of No. 23.

Abbey Brennan advanced to finals in the mile semis by finishing with a time of 5:02.19. The senior finished fourth in her heat, earning an at-large qualification to the finals on Saturday.

Giovanna Domene qualified for finals in the 1,000-meter prelims. Domene raced to a career-best time of 2:58.59. The senior finished fourth in heat one and was able to earn the at-large qualification. Domene will compete in the finals tomorrow, entering the field with the sixth-fastest time.

Brooke Studnicki posted a time of 2:23.53 in the 800-meter semi-finals. The junior was unable to advance to finals and finished 14th place overall.

Three Trojans raced in the women's 3,000-meter prelims. Lynae Ackley, Ahna VanderWall and Elayna Kitt gained experience at their first indoor national championship. Ackley and VanderWall finished in sync, clocking times of 10:38.76 and 10:38.88. Kitt recorded a mark of 10:43.28. None of the ladies were able to advance to finals, as Ackley finished 17th overall, VanderWall claimed 18th and Kitt ended in 21st place.

The Trojans will conclude the NAIA National Championships on Saturday with three athletes set to compete. Action will begin for TU with Abbey Brennan in the mile finals at 1:25pm ET, followed by Patience Sakeuh in the 60-meter hurdle finals at 1:45pm and Giovanna Domene in the 1,000-meter finals at 3:25pm.

Fans can follow along with all the action by visiting www.taylortrojanscom/indoorchampcentral22.