W. Track heads to New Haven missing much of its leadership

If the Penn women's track team wants to beat Princeton and Yale this weekend in New Haven, Conn., it will have to run, jump, and throw better than it has all season. And even if everyone who competes turns in performances of a lifetime, the Quakers still might not win -- in large part because of who is not competing.

Izu Emeagwali, Grace Maloney, and Lainey Lord -- three of Penn's top athletes -- will not be participating this weekend. They are hoping that by resting this weekend they will be healthy when it really matters towards the end of the season.

"Even though we're missing a few key people, we're going in with the same positive attitude that we always have," senior Crystal Marsh said. "The ultimate goal is Heptagonals so we need to save our injured athletes."

Last year, the Quakers won the tri-meet against Yale and Princeton. However, at indoor Heptagonals -- the last time these three teams competed this year -- Penn came in ninth while Yale came in second and Princeton fourth.

"We won't necessarily lose to both teams again," Marsh said. "There are different events now and we're more hyped up."

According to Marsh, the Quakers have an edge over their rivals in the throwing events. With senior Julie Siebert-Johnson in the javelin and freshman Charity Payne in the shot put, Penn can challenge the favored Elis and Tigers in these events.

"We have a pretty broad field and a lot of depth," freshman Michelle Bowen said. "We have at least two solid athletes in each event."

After getting a personal record last week in the hammer throw, Bowen hopes to qualify for Junior Nationals this weekend. With a 46.52-meter throw, she is only three feet away from succeeding.

The runners may have a more difficult time finishing ahead of their competition. Princeton boasts hurdler Hasina Outtz, who won the 400m hurdles a few weeks ago at the Long Beach Collegiate Classic and the 100m hurdles at last week's Sam Howell Invitational.

Marsh, one of Penn's top hurdlers, knows that it will be tough to beat Princeton. She did not compete in the 400m hurdles last week and is excited to return in this competition.

"Last weekend we really pulled together as a team," she said. "We were energetic so we need to go in this weekend with the same attitude."

The distance team will face a challenge this weekend against Yale's distance team. Laura O'Neill and Sarah Dickens lead the way for the Elis and contributed to Yale's win at the Colonial Invitational at William and Mary last weekend.

According to Bowen, it's been harder to practice this week because of the cold weather and snow. Marsh, however, thinks that Penn is ready.

"We've really pulled together this season, and we're very focused," Marsh said. "It's going to be tough, but of course we always want to beat Princeton especially."

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