Injured W. Track trampled by Big Red

After a long hot streak that lasted much of the outdoor track season, the Penn women's track team suffered its second straight defeat Saturday at Franklin Field. Cornell romped over the Quakers 103-42, dealing Penn the worst defeat in its history. According to assistant coach Tony Tenisci, this was the first time the Quakers have ever been doubled. Of the 17 events, the Big Red took first place in 14. Cornell swept first, second and third place in three events, the same number that Penn won. "It was difficult, lackluster and embarrassing," Tenisci said. "They didn't rise to expectations." Cornell is the defending indoor track champion. But Penn finished third place at indoor Heps, and Tenisci didn't expect these results. One of the biggest problems affecting Penn is injuries. Many athletes were unable to compete, including several top Quakers. Angie Jiminez, one of Penn's top athletes, reinjured herself at the meet. Additionally, with Penn Relays and Heps quickly approaching, the coaching staff decided to rest anyone who was questionable going into the meet. "We didn't win, but we didn't run a lot of our good people either," co-captain Maggie Morrow said. But Tenisci didn't think the injuries played that big a role in the devastating loss. "We're low on personnel, but not that low," he said. Once again one of the few bright spots for Penn was the spectacular performance of Morrow. After consecutive victories in all four outdoor meets in distance events, Morrow was moved to the 1,500 meters in order to work on speed for the upcoming meets. Despite her lack of practice in the 1,500 in competitive meets and the strong competition from Cornell's runners, Morrow made it five consecutive victories with her personal best time. "I feel pretty good about it," Morrow said. "I didn't think I was going to win this weekend at all." Daria Smith also continued her success, winning the 110-meter hurdles. The Penn 4x400 relay team rounded out the Quakers' victories. Morrow is still confident about next week's Penn Relays. The Relays include only a few top people from each team. Thus the fate of Penn will lay in the hands of the few Quakers that were able to qualify. The Quakers have had many outstanding individual performances throughout the season, so that may be enough to carry them. Tenisci said he wants Penn to be ready for Relays and Heps. "I just hope that this team will find it within themselves to focus in on the next two weeks, and to remember these are the most important meets," he said.