FULLERTON, Calif.—The University of Hawai'i track and field team wrapped up the 2023 Big West Championships by placing third overall with 102 points, notching four individual titles over the two-day event.
 
The Rainbow Wahine started the day at third after a strong performance on Friday; as the day began, UH saw themselves drop to as low as fifth in the overall standings, but a superb showing in the triple jump proved to be a difference-maker for the 'Bows, climbing and finishing in the top-three overall, as Long Beach State claimed the team title with 149 points.
 
"We're so proud of this team," said director of the track and field program Tim Boyce. "A podium finish for the second consecutive year.  They finished the meet so well in the last three scored events (shot, triple, 4x4).  The staff is unbelievable, and our women persevered and never quit. We're so proud to represent Hawaii."
 
Freshman Tara Wyllie claimed the triple jump championship with a distance of 12.50m (41' 0 ¼"), notching her first career conference title. Sophomore Caitlin Simmons followed her up, reaching a length of 12.49m (40' 11 ¾"), a personal record, to finish second in the event. As a result, UH tallied 18 points from the event, leaping past UC Irvine into the third-place spot.
 
For the second consecutive season, Alyssa Mae Antolin claimed the 200m championship, crossing the finishing line at 23.44, narrowly missing her previous personal best in the event of 23.38. Her performance added another 10 points on the day, keeping the 'Bows trending towards a strong finish.
 
Antolin was the 4 x 400m anchor as she joined juniors Amy Warrington, Tierra Sydnor, and sophomore Sammie Gordon. The foursome finished third in the event with a time of 3:45.36, as Antolin surpassed the Anteaters in the final stretch toward the finish line.
 
While the previously mentioned events put the 'Bows on the podium, the shot put event kept them there with two solid performances. Deandra Tyler of UC Irvine finished second in the event, scoring eight points. Junior Halle Mohr and freshman Rose Forshaw made up the difference as they placed at No. 6 and No. 7 for a combined five points. Leading to an eventual four-point advantage over UCI in the final standings.
 
Adding to the day with a surprise performance was sophomore Lilian Turban in the javelin throw. The notable champion high jumper from the day before, who only competed in two other javelin throws in 2023, placed third with a personal best distance of 45.18m (148'3), giving the 'Bows a much-needed six points. Sophomore Jessica Mackenzie, who converted full-time to throws to start the spring season, placed fourth behind Turban at 42.72m (140'2).
 
UH will await the NCAA Championships First Round when they travel to Sacramento, Calif., in the last week of May.