The Milwaukee women’s track and field team participated in the Badgers Midwest Invite in Chicago, achieving notable performances with five athletes reaching the podium. The Panthers secured one first-place finish during the event.
Isabel Roloff emerged victorious for Milwaukee by claiming the top position in the pole vault with a height of 3.55 meters, tying for the ninth-best mark in school history. Hailey Soriaga finished second in the same event, reaching a height of 3.40 meters.
Dominique Thomas delivered an impressive performance in the 60-meter dash, securing second place with a time of 7.46 seconds. Anna Szepieniec also achieved a second-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles, clocking a time of 8.73 seconds.
Head coach Andrew Basler commented on their performances: “It was great seeing a senior like Dominique back on the track; she looked great in the 60m, clocking the best season opener of her career.” He added, “Anna had a strong day as well, showing consistency in her two hurdles races.”
Leah Handshoe earned a spot on the podium with a third-place finish in the 600-meter race, completing it in 1:36.82.
Olivia VanZeeland improved her personal best in the high jump by clearing 1.70 meters, tying for the fourth-best jump in school history and finishing fourth on that day.
Coach Basler praised VanZeeland’s effort: “Olivia did a good job battling through some early heights to be able to clear 1.70m.”
The Panthers will continue their season at Purdue Fort Wayne’s Mastodon Invitational from January 17-18 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
