REDLANDS, CA — Jade Griffin posted a pair of top-five national performances, Kyle Ambat added the number three best mark in the nation and the University of La Verne track and field teams boasted an outstanding meet at the Redlands Invitational.

The Leopards, competing at an outdoor meet with their full roster for the first time this season, finished with 12 top-20 national performances. The Leopards also added an outstanding 32 personal records.

From the Coach

"Both men's and women's teams had solid efforts to start the outdoor season. A lot of personal bests and the teams competed well. Myself and Coach [Justin] Wood felt like we hit many of the markers we wanted to hit heading into the outdoor season," said head coach Kevin Reid.

Junior Jade Griffin led the Leopards in the sprints finishing as the top DIII performer in the 100m and 200m dashes. Griffin's time of 12.49 in the 100m ranks as the No. 3 time in DIII and her time of 25.76 in the 200m places her fifth in the nation. Elizabeth Prevedello finished with a time of 26.29 in the 200m good for 10th nationally.

Senior Kyle Ambat finished first among DIII participants in the long jump with a leap of 22-11, the third best time in NCAA Division III. Senior Ebony Turner added a No. 8 national performance in the high jump with a height of 5-01.  

Seniors Melissa Cerrillos and Rachael Dela Cruz dominated the 1500m finishing 1-2 in the race. Cerrillos clocked in at 4:51.29, No. 9 nationally, and Dela Cruz clocked in at 4:52.03 for 11th nationally.

Junior Matthew Pedroza took fourth among DIII competitors in the hammer with a throw of 142-01 for 15th nationally. 

"Our team showed up with some fire. We gained some good momentum that we want to carry into our next few meets," said Dela Cruz.

National Top-20 Performances

Women
Jade Griffin — 100m (12.49) No. 3 nationally
Jade Griffin — 200m (25.76) No nationally
Elizabeth Prevedello — 200m (26.29) No. 10 nationally
Rachael Dela Cruz — 800m (2:23.95) No. 20 nationally
Melissa Cerrillos — 1500m (4:51.29) No. 9 nationally
Rachael Dela Cruz — 1500m (4:52.03) No.11 nationally
Elizabeth Prevedello — 100m Hurdles (16.15) No. 20 nationally
Ebony Turner — High Jump (5-01) No. 8 nationally
Elizabeth Prevedello — Long Jump  (17-07) No. 11 nationally
Micaela Krumweide — Long Jump (16-08.50) No. 19 nationally

Men
Kyle Ambat — Long Jump (22-11) No. 3 nationally
Matthew Pedroza — Hammer (142-01) No. 15 nationally

Next Meet

The Leopards will compete next at the UCR Combined Events on Thursday, March 21 before heading to Point Loma on Saturday, March 23.