RALEIGH, N.C. (March 25, 2022) – Senior Claire Hengesbaugh posted the top 5,000m run time of her career in a gritty performance as the Loyola University Chicago track & field teams racked up four new personal bests on the second day of the Raleigh Relays in Raleigh, N.C.
 
Coming off a 2021 outdoor season that saw her earth a berth to the NCAA West Preliminary, Hengesbaugh took a giant step towards punching her postseason ticket tonight at the Dail Track & Soccer Complex.  The Aurora, Ill. native shaved just under two seconds off her personal best in the 5,000m run, picking up a runner-up finish in her heat with a time of 16:22.41 that saw her further her grip on the number three spot on Loyola's all-time outdoor record board in the event.  Senior Kathleen Simms (16:15.13) and graduate student Mimi Reimers (16:54.66) competed alongside Hengesbaugh in the event.
 
In the morning section of the 5,000m run, graduate student Tarynn Cullings posted a personal best of her own, finishing in 16:52.32, an 11-second improvement from the previous top time of her career.
 
The sophomore pairing of Jayla Johnson and Melissa Parrella led the Maroon & Gold's efforts in the sprinting events.  Just a month removed from a breakout indoor season, Johnson looked to pick up right where she left off, taking third in her heat of the 100m hurdles with a personal-best 14.37 that moves her up to second all-time in Rambler annals.  Competing in the 100m dash, Parrella clocked the top time of her collegiate career, crossing in 12.47.  On the men's side of the event, freshman Cameron Woods registered a time of 10.98 in his outdoor debut.

Senior Jana Rokitta carried the banner for Loyola in the field, clearing 5-05.00 (1.65m) in the high jump.
 
The Ramblers conclude their stay at the Raleigh Relays on Saturday, with live coverage on ACC Network Extra beginning at 2 p.m. (CT).