The Benjamin Logan Lady Raiders delivered an outstanding all-around performance on April 7, defeating the North Union Wildcats in a conference dual meet at the Benjamin Logan High School Track & Field Complex, with a final score of 98 to 60.
Competing under sunny but chilly temperatures in the mid-thirties, the Lady Raiders showcased their depth and balance across relays, sprints, distance and field events.
Relay success proved to be a factor, as Benjamin Logan captured three of the four relay events. The 4x800 relay team of Peyton Smith, Lucy Wenger, Elliott Butler and Molly Siefring opened the meet with a strong first-place finish in 12:31.
Later, the Lady Raiders closed the running events with a commanding victory in the 4x400 relay, as Joplin Schneider, Lucy Johns, Elliott Butler and Fiona Sweeney crossed the line in 4:55.94.
Individually, Benjamin Logan dominated the distance races. Gwendolyn Smith led a 1-2-3 sweep in the 1600-meter run, winning in 6:22.39, just ahead of Peyton Smith (6:22.89) and Lucy Johns (6:54.94).
Smith later added a third-place finish in the 800-meter run. In the sprints, Abby Vance delivered a standout performance by winning the 100 dash, placing second in the 200, and capturing first place in the long jump with a leap of 16-03. Aleah France earned the 400-meter title, with Daylin Varner and Montanna Coleman adding valuable points by finishing second and third.
Hurdle events were another strength, as Sarah Miller claimed first place in the 300 low hurdles, while Siina Grondahl took second in the 100 high hurdles.
Depth continued to show in the field events, where Kyla Godwin won the discus, Scarlett Elliott won the pole vault, and Penelope Elliott placed second. Additional scoring came from Autumn Cline in the shot put and Joplin Schneider in the high jump.
Coaches were especially pleased with the balanced scoring and competitive effort, noting that 17 of the Lady Raiders’ 47 athletes competed in their first varsity track meet. With clear signs of growth and improvement, Benjamin Logan now turns its attention to the Spencerville Relays on Friday, April 10.