HONOLULU - The Hawai`i women's track and field team posted strong performances at the Sunset Series Meet # 6, Saturday, at Cooke Field. This meet was the Rainbow Wahine's last tune-up before heading to Northridge, Calif., next week for a five-day road trip.

In the hammer, sophomore Meghan Weaver threw a personal-best mark of 164-3.50 (50.08m) surpassing her old mark of 154-3.25 (47.02m) set last year at Occidental. Third-place went to fellow sophomore Ku'ulei Karratti, who tossed 150-4.25 (45.83m). Taking the title was senior Novelle Murray, who competed unattached, with a distance of 170-4 (51.92m). Murray will redshirt during the outdoor season.

"We are starting to look stronger in the ring," throws coach Garrett Collier said, "and I think Meghan and Ku`ulei are going to surprise some people."

Winning the pole vault was junior Patricia Gauthier, who jumped 12-5.50 (3.80m), easily out-jumping freshman Jessica Trujillo, who leaped a consistent 11-5.75 (3.50m). Also jumping 11-5.75 (3.50m) was Tiara Krismunando and freshman Samantha Weaver. Junior Candace Rosenthal leaped a lifetime best 10-6 (3.20m).

"We're looking better and better every meet," pole vault coach Spencer Chang said. "We keep on making small strides and I think we will make a huge impact this year in the vault. We have a young squad and I am very pleased with their consistent jumping."

In the high jump, junior Mallory Gilbert jumped a lifetime best of 5-7 (1.70m).

"She was pretty excited and she should be." head coach Carmyn James said. "Mallory has been battling some injuries, and it was nice to see her at the top of her game."

Second place went to freshman Emily Sheppard, who cleared 5-5 (1.65m).

On the track, the Rainbow Wahine saw great performances in the 800m and the 1500m steeplechase. Junior Chantelle Laan ran a personal best 2:18.51 in the 800m.

"She ran a great race and still had some left at the end," distance coach Gerry Lindgren said.

In the year's first steeplechase event, junior Michel Wilson opened the season with a 5:35.96.

"Both girls showed a lot of heart and are starting to believe in themselves a bit more," Lindgren said, "and it's really fun to see."

The Rainbow Wahine will hit the road next week as they enter a three-day contest at Cal State Northridge. UH will compete on Wednesday and Saturday, while the multi-event athletes will be participating in a heptathlon on Thursday and Friday.

Sunset Meet #6 Results

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