Winters Leads Charge at Day Two of Patriot Leagues

Saturday, February 20

Boston, MA

All Day

Army West Point

Patriot League Championships

Winters Leads Charge at Day Two of Patriot Leagues

February 20, 2016 | Women's Track and Field

BOSTON, Mass. – The Army West Point women's track and field team is positioned sixth heading into the final day of the Patriot League Indoor Championships from Boston University's Track and Tennis Center on Saturday.

"I was impressed with a lot of our athletes today," said Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Mike Smith. "Championship meets are about execution. Every team comes ready to preform, so each individual has to take care of their job in their events. Today was mostly a qualifying day on the track, and we did a really good job of advancing to tomorrow. Now, if we can equal or better our qualifying positions in the finals tomorrow, we have a chance to finish in the top-three."

Senior co-captain Haley Winters lived up to her title today, captaining the Black Knights. The Spanaway, Wash., native set the third-best time in Army history in the 60-meter dash and the 200-meter dash. Her time of 7.64 in the 60 prelims topped the field, while her 200 time of 24.79 was good enough for a fourth-place finish.

"It was an outstanding day for our women who were led by Haley Winters in the sprints," Smith commented. "Haley is our captain. We expect a lot from her, and today she delivered with lifetime bests in the 60 and 200. She is well positioned to score some big points for us tomorrow."

Winters was joined by freshman Whidney Desormo and junior Cori Lemere in the 60-meter dash semifinals later in the day. Desormo placed third in the prelims with a time of 7.81, the sixth-best time in program history, while Lemere came in 17^th at 8.04. Desormo advanced to the finals with a fourth-place time of 7.80, while Lemere finished at 8.05. Lemere also added a 12^th-place finish in the long jump with a leap of 5.34 meters.

In the 200-meter dash prelims, Desormo followed Winters again into the finals for tomorrow. This time, the Tampa, Fla., native recorded the Academy's eight-best time at 25.29, taking seventh place in the event.

The young relay team of Payton Padgett, Cassie Mundekis, Courtney Dooley and Abby Halbrook continue to shine for the Cadets. The three freshmen and a sophomore became the first 4x800-meter relay team in Army history to break the nine-minute plateau at 8:59.33. The previous record of 9:02.97 which was set 30 years ago.

"The 4x800 relay was a real highlight tonight," remarked Smith. "Although our girls had hoped for a higher finish, the other teams in the conference ran really well, and that's how it goes sometimes. I told them that they ran great, and I don't know if we could've gotten any more out of them."

In the lone distance event of the day, senior Madison Hill placed fourth with a career-best time of 17:12.20 that is good enough to qualify her for the ECAC/IC4A championships.

In the field events, Briyah Brown earned a sixth-place finish in the weight throw with a mark of 15.11 meters. Meagan Hilla recorded a third-place finish in the high jump, clearing the 1.65-meter bar. She also ran a 9.31 and a 9.21 in the 60-meter hurdle prelims and semifinals, but placed 15^th both times.

The third and final day of the Patriot League Indoor Championships will begin at noon and will include the mile run, 60-meter hurdles finals, 60-meter dash finals, 200-meter dash finals, 400-meter dash, 500-meter dash, 800-meter run, 1000-meter run, 3000-meter run, distance medley relay, 4x400-meter relay, triple jump, shot put and pole vault.

For up-to-date information on Army women's track and field visit GoArmyWestPoint.com or follow @ArmyWP_TrackXC on Twitter.