UCLA women’s track team will travel to Berkeley for the Pac-10 Championships
Junior Ashlea McLaughlin ran a lifetime best of 52.92 seconds in the 400 meters against USC. The Bruins are in Berkeley this weekend for the Pac-10 Championships.
By Steven Breazeale
May 13, 2010 10:08 p.m.
With eight team points already in its back pocket from last weekend’s Pac-10 Multi-Event Championships, the UCLA women’s track and field team will attempt to add to its total on Saturday and Sunday at the Pac-10 Championships in Berkeley.
The eight points the Bruins currently have are a result of sophomore Ryann Krais’ individual efforts.
While the majority of the team was given time off last weekend to rest, Krais competed in the heptathlon in the multi-event meet and finished in second place.
Thanks to Krais’ strong start, the remainder of the well-rested Bruin squad is in position to make a strong statement in its first postseason meet of the year this weekend.
Among the Bruin athletes who are favored to win their respective specialized events is junior Ashlea McLaughlin.
Over the course of the outdoor season, McLaughlin has competed in multiple running events, including the 200 meters and 800m.
But where she has the best chance of winning in the postseason is in the 400m.
She has won the event in several meets this year.
In the dual meet against USC on May 1, McLaughlin ran a lifetime best of 52.92 seconds.
With that sub-53-second time in the 400m, she now appears to be in top form.
The pole vault has been one of the team’s most consistent events all season.
Seniors Katy Viuf and Tori Pena have proven to be particularly effective and currently own the second and third highest clearances posted in the Pac-10 this season, respectively.
With Pena and Viuf, the Bruins have the luxury of having two vaulters who are capable of clearing the 14-foot mark on any given day and should place well this weekend.
Coming off a huge event win and confidence boost against USC in the 100m hurdles, junior Lindsay Rowe could put up some crucial points for the team.
Her time of 13.25 that she posted against USC stands as the 15th fastest in NCAA this season.
Head coach Jeanette Bolden has paced her squad over the course of the season and made sure to give rest time to those who needed it.
This weekend’s continuation of postseason competition will test her strategy and determine whether all of the preparation and planning will pay off.
Compiled by Steve Breazeale, Bruin Sports contributor.
