Three Top-10 Program Marks Set on Day One of VertKlasse Meeting

Friday, April 5

High Point, N.C.

9 a.m.

James Madison University

VertKlasse Meeting

Three Top-10 Program Marks Set on Day One of VertKlasse Meeting

4/5/2024 7:15:00 PM | Track & Field

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Pole vaulters Erica Moolman and Madelyn Moles, and distance runner Faithe Ketchum all recorded top-10 program efforts on day one of the VertKlasse Meeting at Dick Vert Stadium.

Moolman registered a personal-best mark of 3.89m (12-9) for first in the Group B competition and No. 2 in program history. Former teammate Rachel Lloyd holds the top spot at 3.91m (12-10), set in 2022. Meanwhile, Moles achieved a PR of 3.64m (11-11.25) for third overall and fourth in the JMU record book.

Ketchum earned a fourth-place finish in the steeplechase with a time of 11:11.71 – good for No. 10 in program history. Previously, the sophomore's PR was 11:21.53, set at last year's Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Championships.

How It Happened
Track

Fifth year McKenzi Watkins produced an 18:09.77 time in section two of the 5,000-meter race for fourth overall.
Freshman Kristin Giordano placed seventh in the steeplechase in 11:29.84.
Classmate Alayna Gifford recorded a PR of 4:50.57 in the 1,500-meter competition, while fellow freshman Sarah Cestare notched a career-best 18:58.84 in the 5,000-meter.

Field

Senior Paige Miller and sophomore Jorja Rich finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in the high jump "B" group, both clearing 1.55m (5-1).
In the long jump, senior Jordan Venning registered a personal-best mark of 5.51m (18-1).

Up Next
The Dukes will remain at High Point for the second and final day of the VertKlasse Meeting. Action begins at 9 a.m. with the women's 800-meter races, and coverage on ESPN+ will start at 2:30 p.m.