FULLERTON, Calif.  – The University of Hawai'i track and field squad finalized the primary 2017 season on Saturday, concluding competition at the Big West Track and Field Championships at the Titan Track Complex. The Rainbow Wahine garnered 29 points and finished in ninth place.
 
Topping Saturday's performers, three Rainbow Wahine javelin throwers scored in their event, paced by Welland, Ontario freshman Alexis Brenzil, who earned third place with a toss of 143-11 (43.88m) to cap her first conference championships. Labeled a 'fearless freshman' by head coach Carmyn James, Brenzil scored 10 of UH's 29 points and is earmarked for an appearance at the NCAA West Preliminary Rounds in Austin, Texas.
 
Joining the rookie in scoring, Olympia, Wash. sophomore Karen Bulger came in fifth with a mark of 140-10 (42.93m), while Wai'anae senior Felicianna Vazquez was eighth at 130-08 (39.84m).
 
Adding more scores on Saturday, Wailuku, Maui senior Amber Kozaki soared to a career-best 12-10.25 (3.92m) in her final meet, finishing sixth on the PR. Reno, Nev. senior Natasha Black and Issaquah, Wash. sophomore Amanda Bowers tied for ninth with a height of 12-04.50 (3.77m) – with Black reaching a career high. Roseville, Calif. freshman Megan Fereira reached the same height, a season best, but came in 13th.
 
In Saturday's 400m hurdles final, Troutdale, Ore. senior Courtney Andre scored with an eighth-place finish in 1:03.38. Returning for the 1,500m run final, Harbor City, Calif. senior Montana Martinez ran a 4:42.82 to finish 11th.
 
Including the two rookie scoring marks from the Multi-Event Champonships, the Rainbow Wahine logged 29 points and ended the meet in ninth place.

"Although I am disappointed with our team score, I am very proud of of the individual efforts of our team members," James said. "The freshmen were fearless and the seniors concluded their collegiate careers with a big bang. Unfortunately this year we were plagued by a number of lower leg injuries which prevented many of our team members from either making the travel squad or competing at their best."

Once all of the conference championships are finalized across the nation, the field will shape up formally for the NCAA Preliminary Round meets. At this time, it appears rookie standouts Brenzil and Lily Lowe will likely be headed to Austin on May 25-27. Bulger is also in position for a shot to make a repeat NCAA appearance in the javelin.

Although several Rainbow Wahine missed the annual Hawai'i Commencement ceremony on Saturday, eight track and field/cross country athletes have officially reached graduate status as of Saturday, Those on the road were honored in Fullerton by the staff. This spring's graduating group consists of Courtney Andre', Natasha Black, Robyn Brown, Alli Cross, Caitlyn Foss, Charlinda Ioane, Montana Martinez and Tiziana Ruiz Dominguez.