W. Track freshmen get first experience

The Penn women's track team competed in two meets last weekend with a couple new faces at the Navy Invitational and Lafayette Invitational. Lafayette was the first collegiate meet for many of the freshman, as the team has been in practice without competition since the second week of school. One freshman who made an impact was Bassey Adjah, who placed first in the long jump and 60 meter hurdles while placing fifth in the high jump. In the long jump, Adjah jumped for 17'2". However, she was not completely satisfied with her performance. "I just want to improve on everything from high school. For long jump I want to be consistent in the 18 feet," Adjah said. "Right now it's the beginning, and I haven't really set my goals. I have an idea, like I want the team to win Heptagonals, and I want to qualify for ECAC's." Penn swept the long jump as fellow teammates sophomore Sarah Ryan and freshman Jill Aronovitz placed second and third, respectively. In addition to Adjah's two first-place wins, another win was added by junior Lindsey Anderson in the high jump. Sophomore Shana McDonald-Black placed second in the 220 yard dash. At Navy, freshman Ami Desai placed second in pole vaulting. In past years, women's track has not included pole vaulting, however, this season pole vaulting will be an exhibition for women. Based on her weekend effort, Desai is the automatic pole vaulting record holder for the school at 9 feet six inches. "We have some outstanding upcoming freshmen who are contributing to a strong set of upper classmen," Assistant Coach Tony Tenisci said. Penn is no stranger to some of the freshmen such as Adjah. She was in Franklin Field to run in the Penn Relays two years ago. Her New Jersey high school honors include indoor 400 hurdles state champion and long jump state champion. She also made nationals in the pentathalon event, missing All-American by one place. "[Adjah] is really quite a talent, she is a multi-event athlete," Tinisci said. With the talents of the freshmen and three years for improvement, the outlook for the team is positive. The Quakers were also represented in the Navy Invitational by several veterans, including junior Satsuki Mitchell, who won the high jump. Penn also took first in the weight throw thanks to a personal record from junior Mandy Bennett. Another first place finisher was junior Luana Botelho in the shot put. Junior Jessica Mitchell set a personal record in the 1000 meter, finishing fourth with a time of 2:56.4.