Jakosky Cruises in 5K

PALO ALTO, Calif. – Senior Laura Jakosky wrapped up the University of Arkansas track team’s weekend on a high note when she ran a career best in the 5,000-meter run at the Cardinal Invitational in Palo Alto, Calif., late Sudnay night in 16:25.88.

Competing against a field of mainly professional athletes including former Lady Razorback Amy Yoder Begley, Jakosky raced with the leaders throughout the competition, finishing 15th overall, but fifth among other collegiates.

“Laura did exactly what we wanted her to do tonight,” Arkansas head coach Lance Harter said. “We wanted to be in the 16:20 range to make sure we could get into nationals and that is where we finished.”

Jakosky’s mark is the second fastest in the Southeastern Conference this spring and tops among Lady Razorbacks. She is now 16th on the nation descending order list with the performance.

The improvement for Jakosky made it four additions or improvements for the Lady Razorbacks on the weekend. Other Lady Razorbacks that saw better marks included Alison Rush and Jessie Gordon in the 5,000 meters and Stacie Manuel in the pole vault. The Lady Razorbacks now have 27 NCAA automatic, provisional and regional qualifiers heading into the Southeastern Conference Championships to be held next week in Nashville, Tenn.

For more information about the University of Arkansas women’s athletics department or about Lady Razorback track and field, visit www.ladybacks.com.