The Barometer Online

Issue date: 5/8/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Cory Reed Hannah Soza-Hodgkinson leads a pack of Oregon State runners during the Oregon Relays at Hayward Field.

This weekend the Beaver track team heads back to Eugene to compete in the Oregon Twilight Meet at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field after competing on Wednesday at Western Oregon University in the John Knight Twilight Meet.

This meet marks the end of the regular season for the Beavers before heading to the Pac-10 Championships and will be a key component for competitors interested in qualifying for the NCAA West Regional Meet.

After almost two weeks off from competition, Oregon State should be well rested. Making a strong showing the last time they were at Hayward Field for the Oregon Relays, the Beavers look to post some strong times and continue their improvement and progression.

"I'm feeling very optimistic, there are a lot of variables," head coach Kelly Sullivan said. "Depending on the weather, everything could go great or out the door."

At the Oregon Relays on April 24, Oregon State finished the weekend strong behind redshirt sophomore Hayley Oveson, who ran the fifth fastest time in Oregon State history with a mark of 17:07:14 in the 5,000 meters. Also making noise was sophomore Marsha Lampi, who ran a personal best in the 5,000 meters with a time of 17:26:95.

Along with Lampi and Oveson was senior Holly Thompson, who placed eighth over-all in the 1,500 meter with a time of 4:38:67, and teammate freshman Natosha Buruse coming in with a time of 4:48:15 in the 1,500 meters as well.

"Everyone's in pretty good health, we've had a few spring colds but we're resting them," Sullivan said. "We're looking good."

With the Pac-10 Championships a week away, Oregon State track appears to have plenty of momentum. So far, the Beavers have one runner qualified for the regional meet. Casey Masterson has qualified in the 1,500 meter and Sullivan hopes she won't be alone.

Coming off a meet on Wednesday, where the Beavers competed in the John Knight Twilight Meet at Western Oregon University, Oregon State seems refreshed. At the meet, sophomore Kambria Schumacher finished second in the 3,000 meter steeple chase with a time of 12:03:04 with sister Cassandra Schumacher not far behind, finishing third with a time of 12:10:97.

Amongst the other Beavers that competed was redshirt freshman Melissa Kauffman, who finished sixth in the 1,500 meters with a time of 5:02:28.

"Casey Masterson is the only one who's qualified for regionals so far," said Sullivan. "But I feel like we're on track, things have progressed well for us."

Competing in the Oregon Twilight this weekend will be Masterson and Thompson, competing in the 800 meters, along with sophomore Abby Chesimet who will run the 1500 meter and Oveson who will run the 5,000 meter. The meet begins on Saturday, May 9 with Oregon State beginning to take part in competition that evening.

Tori Hill, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com

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