Matthew Vassar Open Results

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (April 30, 2010) -- Under the Friday night lights at the Matthew Vassar Open, the Vassar College women's track program had one of its most successful meets to date, with a multitude of victories and personal bests. Freshman Kelly Holmes continued her storybook season by winning the 1500 meters in an ECAC-qualifying time of 4:47.83, yet another personal best.

Sophomore Elizabeth Forbes also ran a personal best in the 1500 meter event, with a time of 4:53.91, and Melissa McClung rounded out the top three for Vassar in 5:02.80. Also competing for the Brewers in the 1500 were sophomores Hannah Ziobrowski (9th, 5:16.21) and Erin Lefkowitz (10th, 5:23.64), along with freshman Emily Sufrin (11th, 5:26.20).

“Although Kelly has struggled in this event in the past, she did run a school record in the 1500 at the Willie Williams meet in Arizona,” said Head Coach James McCowan. “We had planned on getting her into the ECAC meet in the 800 meters, so this is an excellent turn of events.”

Vassar took the top three spots in the long jump, led by sophomore Katy Hwang, with a best jump of 4.61 meters. Tiffany Marchell was close behind in second, with a distance of 4.57 meters, and freshman Emily Crnic placed third with 4.18 meters.

Hwang also took first in the 100 meter hurdles, in a time of 16.75 meters; Vassar's Kate Warrick placed second in 17.29 seconds.

Vassar also swept the top three spots in the 200 meter dash, led by freshman Tiffany Marchell in 27.99 seconds, followed by Crnic in 28.53 seconds, and Warrick in 29.31.

The Brewers took the top two spots in the javelin, with freshman Laura Van Eerde setting a new personal best with a mark of 35.59 meters, 41 centimeters off the ECAC qualifying mark. Hwang showcased her versatility with a best throw of 29.66 meters.

Vassar took three of the top five places in the 5,000 meters, led by sophomore Samantha Creath in second place with a time of 19:17.07. Close behind was freshman Kristine Olson in third, with a time of 19:23.75. Junior Brittany Davis placed fifth in 19:37.77.

“Sammy did a great job of going after it, especially in the last mile,” said McCowan. “She took a risk, and I'm really proud of her effort.”

Sophomore Deirdre May took second in the 800 meters, with a time of 2:39.33.

This marks the end of the season for the majority of Vassar runners. Holmes will join Spangler as ECAC qualifiers, while other members of the squad will attempt to qualify for the post-season at the NYC Qualifying Challenge, held at Icahn Stadium.