April 20, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Following a successful performance at the Spartan Invitational, the Michigan State women's track and field team will make the short trip to Ypsilanti, Mich., this weekend, for the Eastern Michigan Twilight Relays. MSU middle-distance runners led the way at last Saturday's home meet, earning four first-place finishes. Sophomore Nicole Bush opened the meet by winning the 3,000-meter steeplechase, while seniors Aimee Keenan (1,500 meters), Megan Rademacher (800 meters) and junior Michelle Rafferty (3,000 meters) also turned in first-place performances.
In total, the Spartans notched 12 first-place finishes at the Spartan invitational. Senior Taren James turned in a personal-best leap of 42-0 ¾ to win the triple jump competition, while sophomore Chaquerra Allen took first in the long jump, jumping 18-8 ½.
In the sprints, sophomores Jackie Walton and Etienne Chaplin got Michigan State off to a fast start, claiming the top-two spots in the 100-meter hurdles, and sophomore Paris Mandy defeated the competition by nearly six seconds in the 400 meters.
The Spartans will look to carry their momentum into Eastern Michigan this weekend and beyond. In two weeks Michigan State will return to the Ralph Young Track and Field, when it plays host to the 2006 Big Ten Outdoor Championships on May 12-14.
