Full Results
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Fighting Illini women's track team used eight event titles in the 12 events to defeat Northern Illinois in the Illinois Women's Dual meet, 67.50-50.5. Of the eight event victories, two came from sophomore Jayla Stewart who won the 60m dash and 60m hurdles, while the Illini also saw eight freshmen make their Illini debut today. Of those eight, three earned event titles as well.
"It was an opportunity for us to get out and compete," said Head Coach Ron Garner. "We've been practicing for 14 weeks, getting ready for break, so it was nice for them to get some live gun fire. For us as a whole, it's a time for assessment to see where we're at from what we've worked on. And, both good and bad, we'll learn from this."
With her freshman season under her belt, Jayla Stewart impressed in her sophomore season debut, winning both the 60m dash and 60m hurdles. Stewart began the day with an 8.48 time in the 60m hurdles, winning the event by nearly half a second. The sophomore returned later in the afternoon to clock 7.63 in the 60m prelims, followed by 7.62 in the final to win her second event on the day.
"I think her growth took place at the end of last year with her making some decisions," said Coach Garner. "If you came out to practice, you saw Jayla at a different level than she was last year. She's heard everything from Coach Gillon and myself and she's been wonderful. Her leadership, her focus, her transition to school in year two has all been elevated."
"The standard is pretty high for the hurdles at this institution," continued Garner. "We're as good as anybody in the country. When you have the No. 9 in the country all-time [Pedrya Seymour] sitting here in the same program every day, you work out with her and are better for it. We have a pretty good standard for what success is [in the hurdles] and I think Jayla will continue to meet that."
Kandie Bloch-Jones kicked off her senior season with a victory in the high jump, clearing 5'9.25" (1.76m) , clearing the height on her second attempt to beat Chennel Palmer of Northern Illinois.
Illinois' other event title in the field events came from sophomore Briana Driver who won the long jump this afternoon with a leap of 18"8" (5.69m) on her fifth attempt. Illinois swept the top-three in the event, as Sade Hargrove and Janile Rogers finished second and third, respectively.
Freshmen Chisom Nwoko, Sarah Madsen and Felicia Phillips each were a part of event victories in their collegiate debut. Nwoko won top honors in the 600m with a time of 1:38.05, while Madsen finished the 1,000m race in 3:08.14. Phillips earned her victory when she teamed up with Nwoko, Kristina Kladar and Jasmine Berry in the 4x400m relay.
Rounding out the eight titles today was Kristina Kladar's victory in the 800m race, as the redshirt sophomore clocked 2:21.87 to win the race.
The Orange and Blue will have a month off before resuming their indoor schedule on January 7 at the Border Battle in Iowa, City.
"For where we're at in trying to build this program, these kids have been incredible," Garner said. "I'm more than pleased in our efforts. Certainly there will be disappointments, but I think we're in a good place to build off of coming into next semester."
Illinois Individual Titles (Full Results):
High Jump: Kandie Bloch-Jones, 5"9.25" (1.76m)
Long Jump: Briana Driver, 18'8" (5.69m)
800m: Kristina Kladar, 2:21.87
60m Hurdles: Jayla Stewart, 8.48
600m: Chisom Nwoko, 1:38.05
60m: Jayla Stewart, 7.62
1,000m: Sarah Madsen, 3:08.14
4x400m Relay: Phillips, Nwoko, Kladar, Berry 4:02.67
