Women's Track and Field 3/27/2021 12:00:00 AM

Record Breaking Saturday

MURRAY, KY – The Belmont University Women's Track and Field team had a day for the record books, literally, as one Bruin smashed the 800m record at the Raleigh Relays in Raleigh, N.C. Across the country in Murray, Kentucky, three more Belmont records would fall along with four first place marks and three silvers at the Margaret Simmons Invitational as the team took third overall.

Sophomore Lily Hallum (Mason, Ohio) broke a Belmont record in the 800m with a blazing fast time of 2:11.65 at Raleigh Relays. "She even split the race, which is pretty amazing for that event. "It was a great heat for her, great set up and she got in position early and executed the race plan very well," said Assistant Coach Kate Bucknam. "To do that at the beginning of the season is a great start."

Hallum had stiff competition in the 800m, however, from traditional track and field powerhouses like Virginia, Notre Dame, and Washington, and she ended up placing 32nd overall. "To do that at the beginning of the season is a great start," said Bucknam. "I'm anxious to see where she is in two weeks when we race again. We'll just continue to work and run faster. She's going drop that time."

Elsewhere, the rest of the Bruins were also putting on a show. Senior Jessica Mattsson (Tierp, Sweden) won the hammer throw with a throw of 51.08m, while freshman Rebekah Stucker (Odessa, Mo.) took second after tossing the hammer 47.44m. "She's a very technical thrower, and can really throw it far when she's on, but if the technique isn't perfect, it can hold her back," said Assistant Coach Joe Frye. "Her first two throws were fouls, but then she came back on the third and threw it 52m. For her to have a more power-style throw with the technique she already has is very encouraging."

While Stucker didn't take gold in her first throwing event, she was just getting warmed up. She proceeded to register a new Belmont record and first place in the shot put with an incredible mark of 14.12m. Moments later, Stucker followed with another Belmont record as she took first in the discus with an astounding 49.15m toss. "It's unlikely for a freshman to PR (personal record) in their first meet, " said Frye. "So, for her to get a PR in discus and shot put and to break the Belmont records was all really impressive."

"(Stucker) looked really confident, and she looked like she is executing what we talk about in practice," Frye said. "She hasn't shown any doubt, but it is always good to show them what they can do early on in the season."

Senior Adreanna Parlette (Nashville, Tenn.) wasn't going to let Stucker and Hallum have all the fun, so she decided to go off in the long jump, breaking her personal record and the Belmont record (which stood for 36 years) with a mark of 6.0 meters. The sterling performance earned Parlette second in the hyper-competitive field. "Adreanna did really well," said Frye. "All of her jumps were over 5.8 meters, so that consistency is really good to see. This gives us a lot of confidence as a coaching staff to see that we can rely on her."

Sophomore thrower Maddie Quinn (Bible Hill, Canada) took first in the javelin with a personal record of 46.70m. "Maddie hasn't thrown javelin in two or three years, and for her to PR and get first place with her first throw here, is really remarkable," said Frye. "She threw the javelin about a foot shy of the fence. That was more than anybody could ever ask for. And for her to dominate on her first throw and to feel that good about it, is just great."

With so many setting records, and winning in this early season competition, the Bruin coaching staff very pleased to see what is yet to come. "We always try and give our athletes the best chance we can to preform everyday," said Frye, "So, to see this type of performance early in the season is really great. We're really proud of them and really impressed. It's a great way to start the season."

The Bruins will return to action at the Joey Haines Invitational, April 2-3, hosted by Southeast Missouri.

Belmont Only Results - Raleigh Relays

800m
32. Lily Hallum, so., –2:11.65

Belmont Only Results - Simmons Invitational

Women's Overall Team Score: 90.75, 3rd place

Women's Hammer

1. Jessica Mattsson SR., – 51.08
4. Rebekah Stucker FR., – 47.44

Women's Javelin
1. Maddie Quinn SO., – 46.70m*
8. Olivia Moyer FR., – 33.19m
14. Allison Gunderson SO., – 24.68m

Women's Discus
1. Rebekah Stucker FR., – 49.15m**
2. Olivia Moyer FR., – 40.91m*

Women's Shot Put
1. Rebekah Stucker FR., – 14.12m**
8. Olivia Moyer FR., – 11.65m

Women's Long Jump
2. Adreanna Parlette SR., – 6.00m**
9. Morgan Louderback SO., – 5.18m
31. Sade Alalade SO., – 3.69m

Women's High Jump
7. Jeanette Morley SR., – 1.55m