May 10, 2008

Final Heptathlon Results

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - Sophomore Desirae Gonder finished second in the Big West heptathlon with a lifetime-best 5,203 points while teamates Shelese Ruffin (5,032) and Sherrrina Lofton (4325) also scored for Northridge.

On the second and final day of competition, Gonder jumped 5.71 in the long jump to earn 762 points, threw 102-7 (31.26) in the javelin to earn 500 points and picked up 829 points in the 800 meters after running a time of 2:19.61. Gonder's point total is a career-best eclipsing the 4,860 points she scored in finishing fourth in last season's Big West heptathlon. Her points total ranks third in Northridge history behind Marlene Harmon (5,988 points in 1983) and Sue Patterson (5,224 points in 1986).

In taking third in her first collegiate heptathlon, Ruffin posted 5,032 points, the sixth-best total in Matador history. She had an impressive final day winning both the long jump (5.97) and 800 meters (2:18.03) and earning 384 points in the javelin (82-3).

Lofton, also competing in the heptathlon for the first time, finished in eighth-place to add a point to the Northridge tally. She jumped 4.64 in the long jump, threw 100-2 in the javelin and capped her day with an impressive 2:20.55 in the 800 meters to earn 816 points and move into scoring position.

Also competing in their first collegiate heptathlons were Ashleigh McGrew Stella Dugall and Jocelyn Do. McGrew finished 10th with 4,238 points, the 10th best total in Matador history while Dugall and Do did not complete all three events on Saturday and did not score.

Sharon Day of Cal Poly won the heptathlon with 5,642 points to earn 10 points.

- GO MATADORS -