Big 10 Women — Taut Thomas–Timberg Vault Duel

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, May 10–12 — A week before the Big 10, Illinois vaulter Tori Thomas scored a big PR 14-10 (4.52) and told IlliniInquirer, “I wouldn’t say it was surprising but it was kind of like, ‘It’s about time; let’s do more.’” That she did on Day 1 of the loop championships, clearing that same 14-10 to win a stirring duel against Rutgers’ Chloe Timberg, the outdoor Div. I leader and indoor Big 10 champ.

With a first-attempt clearance at 14-0 (4.27), Thomas led; Timberg made it on her second as the other contenders failed to clear. At 14-2 (4.32), Timberg cleared on her first attempt; Thomas, jumping after her in the order, missed hers and passed. The next bar, 14-4 (4.37) brought first-attempt clearances for both. At 14-6 (4.41), Timberg made it over on her first try; Thomas missed hers, then opted to pass. At 14-8 (4.47), Timberg again cleared on her first attempt. Thomas this time opted to pass that height completely, so that the next bar would be at her recent PR height.

At 14-10, Timberg missed her first try. Thomas cleared, tying her PR. This time, it was Timberg who passed. That’s when the clearances ended. Timberg missed her two tries, Thomas her three, but then she celebrated. Working with noted vault coach Dennis Mitchell, she says her confidence has taken a big jump this year. “We’re not done,” she posted.

The highlight on the track was the unpressed 55.01 that defending NCAA champion Savannah Sutherland ran in the 400H. The Michigan junior crossed the line with a margin of more than 2 seconds. The only other home-school win came from teammate Aasia Laurencin, who won the 100H in 12.90 over Iowa’s Paige Magee (12.93).

Ohio State took the 4×1 (43.44) and the short sprints, with Leah Bertrand capturing the 100 in 11.16 and Fatouma Conde the 200 in 22.91. Illinois junior Jessica McDowell won the 400 in 51.73.

Penn State got a distance double from Canadian Florence Caron, who led most of the way in both to clock 33:04.18 on Day 1 and 15:52.39 on Day 3. Soph Hayley Kitching finished fast to take the 800 in 2:02.54.

Minnesota won its first team title since ’18 on the strength of its depth. The Gophers scored only three victories: frosh Zoie Dundon in the steeple (10:09.56), Shelby Frank in the hammer (22-5/67.79), and the 4×4 squad that nipped Ohio State at the line,…