From University of Chicago Athletics
Nicole VacaGuzman's first-place finish in the 400 meters led the way for the University of Chicago women's track and field team on the final day of the North Central College Gregory Invitational, held Thursday.
VacaGuzman ran a field-best – and rebroke her own school record – with a time of 55.92 seconds to claim the Maroons' lone title of the day. That time proved to be her best of the season, too – giving VacaGuzman a likely qualifying time for the upcoming NCAA Division III Track & Field Championships as she currently stands 10th in the nation.
In total, the Maroon women captured eight Top 10 finishes Thursday, as sophomore Mary Martin was third in both the 200 (25.61 seconds) and long jump, where she leapt a lifetime-best (5.49 meters). Also claiming a third-place finish was sophomore Laura Darcey in the heptathlon (4,398 points), followed closely by fourth-place teammate Olivia Cattau (4,322 points).
The women's high jump proved fruitful as the Maroons grabbed the top two spots. Junior Alexandra Thompson won with a height of 1.68 meters and was closely followed by senior Ade Ayoola at 1.64 meters.
First-year Abigail Shoemaker was a runner-up in the women's 10,000 meters. She finished a mere four seconds behind the winner in the tightly-contested race, crossing the line in 37:10.89. UChicago took second through fourth place in the event.