Dukes Dominate Competition at JMU Invitational

Saturday, April 23

Harrisonburg, Va.

2 p.m.

James Madison University

JMU Invitational

4/23/2016 7:52:00 PM | Track & Field

HARRISONBURG, Va. - Numerous personal records, Eastern College Athletic Association (ECAC) qualifiers, meet records and program top-10 entries highlighted a successful day for the James Madison track & field program at the 2016 JMU Invitational, hosted at University Park on Saturday.

A rainy morning gave way to a beautiful Saturday afternoon, allowing the Dukes to turn in their best performance of the 2015-16 season. With the meet being scored in the format of a dual meet, JMU defeated Navy (107-57), Robert Morris (119-42), Marshall (118-34) and Richmond (119-21) to stand as the only undefeated team on the day.

Leading the way was graduate student Amber Monroe, who, after setting a school record at Friday night's UVA Challenge, broke her own record once again with a throw of 15.64 meters (51'3.75") to place first in the shot put. The Miami, Fla., native then added another first-place finish in the discus throw with a distance of 52.17 meters (171'2"). Monroe's performances were ECAC qualifiers and meet records in both events.

Several other Dukes made their mark in the record books as well. Freshman Nikki Serratore started the day with a PR and a first-place finish in the javelin throw with a distance of 40.29 meters (132'2") to move into fourth on the program's top-10 performance list.

Setting a PR, meet record and moving from fifth up to third on the program performance list was sophomore Aereale Scott, who ran a 13.91 in the 100-meter hurdles. She then ran a 24.66 in the 200-meter dash to place first once again, while also qualifying for ECACs and jumping into eighth in program history for the event.

The 100-meter produced not only Scott's great finish, but a great finish from junior Summer Walter as well. She crossed the finish line in second place with an ECAC qualifying time of 14.20 - the seventh-fastest time in program history.

Representing the relays, juniors Annie Johnson and Kennedy King, Scott and freshman Meredith Willis took first in the 4x100-meter relay with a time of 46.71, which is the fifth fastest in program history. The time also punches the team's ticket to the ECAC Outdoor Championships.

Wrapping up the additions and edits to the record book was junior Tessa Mundell, who was the first to cross the finish line in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in a time of 11:00.76 to set a PR and earn the seventh-fastest time on the all-time top-10 list.

Also earning first-place finishes on the day were King in the 100-meter dash (11.80) and long jump (5.93 meters/19'5.5"), freshman Erin Saunders in the 5,000-meter run (17:31.60), senior Kathleen Stewart in the 1,500-meter run (4:32.29) and sophomore Tyrah Burrow in the 400-meter dash (56.28).

In total, James Madison recorded 24 personal records, six new ECAC qualifiers and three meet records.

The Dukes return to action for their final tune-up before the 2016 Colonial Athletic Association Championships when they head to Philadelphia, Pa. for the 2016 Penn Relays, which begin on Thursday, April 28.

HIGHLIGHTS

INTERVIEW WITH COACH TA' FRIAS

PHOTO OF THE DAY
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You can find this photo and more in today's photo gallery.

TWEET OF THE DAY

Sidra Morris going the distance in the hammer toss! Can you say power? #JMUInvitational pic.twitter.com/yRCCOM1qRq
— JMU Track & Field (@JMUTrackField) April 23, 2016

UP NEXT
The Dukes have also added a trip to Shippensburg, Pa. on April 30th where they will compete at the Paul Kaiser Track & Field Classic following the Penn Relays.