Monteverde wins pentathlon at BYU Invitational

PROVO, Utah -- Day one of the BYU Invitational concluded Friday with four first places for BYU women’s track and field, highlighted by Alyssa Monteverde winning the pentathlon with 3,677 points. 

“It was a good opener, the hurdles and high jump were my strong events,” sophomore Monteverde said of the opener for the indoor season.  “I think we started out solid, its only up from here and I’m really excited for our meet at Air Force. “

It was a good day in the pentathlon as Cougar freshman Nicole Laws took second place (3,578), and team captain Elizabeth Wilson completed the sweep with third place (3503).

“Coming off of Christmas break was difficult, but it was a good meet to find out where we are at, get our feet under us and get ready for the rest of the season,” Wilson said. “I think my performance today indicated there is a lot of room for growth and improvement, and up is the only direction to go.”

In the vertical jumps, BYU senior Rachel Fisher took first in the pole vault with 3.90m (12-09.5), while freshman Margaret Appiah took first in high jump with 1.68m (5-06.25). Chelsea Spencer won the long jump with 5.42 (17-09.50) and senior Deezbaa Whaley represented the throwers and took second in the weight throw with 17.12m (56-02).

“I think it was a nice, solid opening day, and I saw some really good things happening in all of the categories,” BYU head coach Ed Eyestone said. “The coaching staff has been working hard to get our athletes ready to go, and they are well prepared, well coached and are doing a good job.”

The meet will continue Saturday at the Smith Fieldhouse, beginning the running events at 12:45 p.m. with the 60-meter hurdle trials.

 Friday's results can be found on the official BYU Invitational results page.