Utah Tech University women’s track and field broke two program records at the Ron Mann Classic at Northern Arizona University, highlighting Trailblazer athletics.
Women’s track and field
The Trailblazers totaled top eight finishes at the Ron Mann Classic in Flagstaff, Arizona, along with the two program records that were set.
Senior Kylie Bishop set the first program record of the meet, with a high jump of 1.65 meters while placing second. The 4×400 relay team, comprised of freshman Lily Sampson, sophomore Whitney Christiansen, and juniors Megan Jenkins and Kelly Denninghoff set the record with a time of 3:53.37 while placing third.
“We had a really strong showing at this meet, and I’m proud of how the team stepped up,” head coach Derrick Atkins said. “The ladies showed up with great energy and focus, and we saw a lot of personal bests across the board.”
The Trailblazers will return to the track Feb. 14 to take part in the Mountain State Games, hosted by Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho.
Women’s basketball
Utah Tech lost to Tarleton State University 70-61 at the Burns Arena Jan. 30 despite a fourth-quarter rally that came up short. Utah Tech’s offense struggled early, starting the game 0-10 on 3-pointers and trailed 53-32 going into the fourth quarter.
With a little under five minutes left in the game, Utah Tech found their groove. They turned two consecutive turnovers by Tarleton State into a pair of free throws by Calyn Dallas and a three by Emily Isaacson. This was part of a 17-2 Trailblazers run that pulled them within seven, trailing 68-61 with under one minute left. Despite the late game surge, Tarleton State was able to hit two free throws as they held on to win.
Freshman Ellie Taylor led the Trailblazers in scoring 16 points while also blocking four shots—a career-high.
On Feb. 1, the Trailblazers lost to the University of Texas at Arlington 86-67. Freshman Paige Cofer led the team in scoring 16 points. The Trailblazers drop to 5-15 ahead of their next game Feb. 6 on the road at Abilene Christian University.
Men’s basketball
The Trailblazers lost 61-54 on the road to Tarleton State University. Senior Hakim Bird led the team in scoring 18 points, while also adding five assists and two rebounds.
The team continued their road trip as they lost a nail-biter to UT Arlington, 73-71. Senior guard Noa Gonsalves tallied a career-high 25 points, while Bird added another 20 points as the Trailblazers lost a close game down the stretch.
The Trailblazers are now 6-16 as they return home to face Abilene Christian Feb. 6.
Click here to find the upcoming schedule for Utah Tech athletics.