Last weekend, the Iona College women’s track team competed at the Penn Relays on April 28 and 30. 

The Gaels competed against some of the strongest athletes from across the country in several distance events and fared extremely well.

Senior Natalie Finnerty had a memorable run as she won the College Women’s 3,000 meter Steeplechase and set a school record in her victory.

In a close race, Finnerty was able to beat out Madeline Ribbant of Central Michigan and Genna Hartung of Cornell by under a second.

Finnerty’s winning time of 10:33.27, beat the previous standard 10:47.48, set by Annelore Desaedelleer at the Penn Relays two years ago.

“I was really excited to be going to the Penn Relays this year. I knew that it would be a competitive meet and a good opportunity for me to take a shot at the school record,” Finnerty said.

“I was able to follow the lead running pack, and with 200 meters to go I knew I had a good chance to win. When I saw my time, I was even more enthusiastic. As a senior, it is an honor to have my name on the school record.”

Senior Siobhan Dwyer was also in the race and took fifth place in 10:42.91, just missing fourth by less than a second. Her time, however, gave her the second best time in school history.

The relay team of graduate student Leonie Smith (2:16.92), freshman Kirsten Stewart (2:15.96), senior Kirsten Peluso (2:19.01) and sophomore Luci McLoughlin (2:14.00) took 12th place in the College Women’s 4 x 800 Relay.

Stony Brook took first place with a mark of 8:51.53.

Junior Heidi Gregson, who is looking to compete at Nationals, took ninth in the Olympic Development Women’s Mile Run.

Gregson crossed the line in 4:42.16 and was one of two collegiate runners in the race. Lauren Centrowitz of New Balance won the race in 4:37.12, defeating a very strong field.

“My performance was a little disappointing time wise, but overall I felt I was aggressive and raced the best I could on that particular day. I’m looking forward to the championship season, especially since my training has been progressing very well. The last couple of weeks in particular I’ve had very solid workouts, which hopefully translate in my upcoming races.”

In the Olympic Development Women’s 5,000 meter, freshmen Tara Jameson picked up the best time for Iona.

Jameson finished 13th finishing under 17 minutes in 16:58.37. Jameson also beat out her previous personal best by 33 seconds.

Marion Joly-Testault was also in the race and took 33rd in 17:51.86.

The Gaels will close out the season at the MAAC Championships on May 7 and 8 at Rider University.

The Gaels will then compete in the ECAC Championships on May 13 and May 14 at Princeton University. The team hopes to build on what has already been a season of great success.