Bentley Gives U-M First NCAA Automatic Qualifier

Saturday, May 13

Ann Arbor, Mich.

Michigan

Len Paddock Invitational (Day 2)

5/13/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's track and field team enjoyed a successful showing throughout its lineup on the second and final day of competition of the Lee Paddock Invitational on Saturday (May 13) at Ferry Field. The headliner for the Wolverines was senior Brandi Bentley (Detroit, Mich./Marian HS), who won the long jump with a distance of 21-6 1/4, becoming U-M's first automatic qualifier for the 2000 NCAA Outdoor Championships. Bentley's mark is also a new Ferry Field record.

The Wolverines also posted wins in three other events ranging from short sprints to throws. Senior Maria Brown (Kingston, Jamaica/Immaculate Conception), in her final appearance as a Wolverine at Ferry Field, won the 200-meter dash with a mark of 23.84. Brown also placed runner-up in the 100-meter dash (11.64). Carly Knazze (Southfield, Mich./Southfield HS) and Regine Caruthers (Inglewood, Calif./St. Bernard HS) gave Michigan three of the top four places in the 200-meter dash by placing third (23.93) and fourth (23.99), respectively.

Michigan enjoyed one other victory out if its sprinters as the 4x100-meter relay foursome delivered a season-best pace of 46.01. Michigan's third and final victory of the day came from April Phillips (Fraser, Mich./Fraser HS), who finished in first place in the shot put. Her distance of 46-11 (14.30m) set a personal best and is also a Michigan season best.

The Maize and Blue's next test comes at the Big Ten Conference Championships Friday through Sunday, May 19-21, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Day 1 Results

Contact: Rich Marion (734) 763-4423