Garcia Wins Steeplechase, Regionally Qualifies

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RALEIGH, N.C. – The Virginia track and field team tacked on three more NCAA Regional qualifiers on Saturday at the Raleigh Relays, while the Cavaliers were also victorious in three events.

Junior Stephanie Garcia won the 3000m steeplechase in an NCAA Regional qualifying time of 10:23.68 to lead the squad on the day, while Virginia’s men’s and women’s 4x800m relay teams each claimed first-place finishes in their respective races. The men teamed for a finish of 7:28.26, while the women crossed the line in 8:52.69.

Junior Meghan Briggs and freshman Tara Karin each qualified for the NCAA Regional meet in the javelin. Briggs claimed runner-up honors in the event with a throw of 150’, while Karin threw 143’ 2”.

In the finals of the 100m hurdles, junior Ayla Smith finished sixth in another regional qualifying time of 13.86, while sophomore Chidi Uche ran the programs eighth fastest time, 14.12.

Freshman Vincenzo Chiariello also made some changes to Virginia’s all-time records, throwing the fourth farthest hammer throw, a mark of 155’ 2”.

In the men’s 1500m, junior Steve Finley picked up a third-place finish in 3:49.63 and junior Katie Darraugh finished third in the pole vault, clearing 11’ 5.75”.

Virginia’s women’s 4x400m relay finished second in 3:45.42.

The Cavaliers will return to action next weekend, heading to Columbus, Mo., to take part in the Missouri Jefferson Dual on Friday and Saturday.