By: Jeff Evans, Assistant AD for Athletic Communications
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – It was a successful first day at indoor national for the Western Washington Vikings, with senior Bec Bennett and junior Emmy Kroontje qualifying for the finals in their marquee events at the Virginia Beach Sports Center.
Bennett got the Vikings started running the third-fastest time in the 400m prelims, clocking 53.73 to place second in the third of four heats. Bennett's time qualifies her for Saturday's final scheduled for 5:10 pm ET/2:10 pm PT. Bennett placed 7th in the event last season to earn First Team All-America honors.
Kroontje also recorded the third-fastest qualifying time in the 800m to earn a spot in Saturday's final set for 5:35 pm ET/2:35 pm PT. Kroontje ran a PR time of 2:08.67, inching below her previous best of 2:08.70 set earlier this season.
Junior Kora Cook placed 18th in the high jump clearing 1.63m/5-4.25 on her second attempt, but missed at 1.68m/5-6 to just miss second-team All-America honors.
How to Follow Indoor Nationals:
Saturday Schedule:
Sophomore Jayda Darroch, freshman Casie Kleine and junior Kennedy Cook join Bennett on the 4x400 relay team that will close out the meet in the final event on Saturday.
Sophomore Jessica Polkinghorn represents the throws crew in the shot put while making her second appearance at nationals. As a freshman in 2025 Polkinghorn earned Second Team All-America honors at the Outdoor Championship placing 10th. Polkinghorn recorded a season-best and school-record throw of 15.19m/49-10 at the season-opening Spokane Invitational, a mark that ranks No. 11 heading into the national meet.
Fans can follow the action from the Indoor Track & Field Championships with a live (and free) webcast each day at NCAA.com.
