Mona dominates, sets mile record

Katie Mona broke her second school record of the season for ESU on Saturday at the Iowa State Classic. She ran 4:48.55 to finish fifth in the seeded mile run and automatically qualified for the NCAA championships. She broke Jonel Rossbach’s 2007 record of 4:50.65 in 2007.

Briar Ploude hit a provisional qualifying mark of 6-08.25 (2.04 meters) in the high jump.  He placed sixth in the seeded high jump, but broke a three meet string of clearing 7 feet. ESU will split their squads next weekend, sending some to the Nebraska Tune-Up and some to the KSU Open.

Softball wins in San Antonio

Kendra Gifford went two for three with three runs, three RBI and two home runs to lead Emporia State to a 7-4 win over Incarnate Word on Sunday afternoon in San Antonio, Texas.

Jennifer Heerey and Taylor Zordel both joined Gifford with two hits. Taylor Zordel and Amanda Self each had a double. Heerey struck out nine while giving up four runs on 10 hits to improve to 2-0 on the year.

ESU will be back in action this weekend when they travel to Durant, Okla. for the Southeastern Shootout hosted by Southeastern Oklahoma State on Feb. 17-19.

Track has strong showing at Scottie Classic

Gannon Mack hit a provisional mark to lead the Hornets at the Scottie Classic hosted by Highland Community College on Saturday. Mack was one of three Hornets to pick up individual championships for Emporia State, running 7.51 to win the 55 meter hurdles and solidifying his provisional mark. The time ranks 13th in the nation and third in the MIAA.

Val Jordan won the other individual championship for ESU with a mark of 41-02.50 (12.56 meters) in the women’s shot put.

Lucas San Martin finished second in the weight throw. His throw of 51-05.00 (15.67 meters) moved him to seventh in the MIAA.