Indoor Track and Field DIVISION I Women’S
Indoor Track and Field DIVISION I WOMEN’S Highlights Oregon women claim first indoor track crown: The No. 1-ranked Oregon women made their first Division I NCAA Indoor Track and field National Championship look easy, claiming the title March 13 by piling up 61 points. Defending champ fourth-ranked Tennessee was second with 36 points, followed by No. 3 LSU (35), No. 4 Florida (33) and No. 2 Texas A&M (31). Oregon won without coach Vin Lananna, who was forced to stay in Oregon for medical reasons. The Ducks also overcame a disappointing 13-point first night that left them five points behind leader Auburn. “Their spirits were getting down,” assistant coach Robert Johnson said, “and I was like, ‘Look, you’ve got to stop that getting down and throwing a pity party. We’re still in this thing. As long as you guys rally around each other, we can get this thing done.’” Despite the late-night pep talk, Johnson was unsure if his message had its intended effect. “I didn’t feel so good after the meeting, but when I got to see them this morning their spirits were up,” he said. Brianne Theisen kept the good vibes going, winning the pentathlon and putting the Ducks ahead for good. Jordan Hasay and Anne Kesselring then ran fourth and sixth, respectively, in the mile to give Oregon 31 points. Keshia Baker gave the Ducks all the points they would need with a second-place finish in the 400-meter dash. Francena McCorory of Hampton won the event, setting an American record by finishing in 50.54 seconds.
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