W. Track continues to surge outdoors

On Saturday, the Penn women's track team showed why it was confident heading into the outdoor season.

The Quakers had another strong performance in the young season, capturing 12 top-five finishes at the Penn Invitational.

Thirteen schools -- including indoor Ivy League champion Cornell and perennial track powerhouse Villanova -- sent athletes to Franklin Field, presenting the Red and Blue with tougher competition than they have faced thus far in their outdoor season.

But the Quakers were able to win two events -- Penn sophomore Grace Maloney took the high jump and junior Julie Siebert-Johnson claimed first in the javelin.

Johnson posted her second straight top-10 performance in the javelin, having finished 10th at the Raleigh Relays last weekend.

"It was a good throw for me," Johnson said. "It was my first really big throw since knee surgery."

Johnson had knee surgery last season and was limited in her action.

Despite the blustery weather, the Quakers continued to show why they prefer to compete outdoors. Penn struggled through its indoor season, but ever since the squad switched to the outdoors, its times and records have improved drastically.

"The team did very well," Johnson said. "The conditions were not great.

"It was cold, windy and snowing, but we definitely responded."

Other members of the Quakers also enjoyed successful performances.

Jessica Lloyd ran to a top-five finish in the 800 meter run. Crystal Marsh and Sam Desposito finished in the top-five of their events, as well.

"Overall, I think the team did very well," Marsh said. "Despite the cold weather, we had several very good performances."

With a tri-meet against Ivy League rivals Princeton and Yale looming next weekend, the Red and Blue know they need to continue to improve. After finishing ninth at the Indoor Heptagonal Championships, the Quakers are not taking their league opponents lightly.

"We are pretty excited about the tri-meet next weekend," Marsh said. "We beat Princeton indoor, so we need to come out and prove ourselves again outdoors."

Penn is off to a fast start in the outdoor season, posting impressive performances at the Quaker Invitational, the Raleigh Relays and now the Penn Invitational.

The Quakers grabbed 18 top-five finishes at the Quaker Invitational on March 24. The Red and Blue had two top-10 finishes at the talent-laden Raleigh Relays with impressive showings from other Quakers, as well.

"We are a better outdoor team," Marsh said. "Hopefully, some good weather will continue to bring better performances."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.