Simpson excels in open events to begin outdoor season

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Audrey Klein and MacKenzie James combined to score 24 points in three events as Simpson finished in fifth place to open up the outdoor season at the Grand View Invitational on Saturday.

Klein ran a career-best 5:14.14 in the 1500, resulting in a first-place finish. Klein improved on her previous best time of 5:19.15 from the Jim Duncan Invitational on April 14, 2017. Five additional Simpson runners scored points in the race, including Emily Buchheit, Abby Loecke, Katie Murano, Cat Lucht and Kaylee Willadsen.

James was the top points-earner for the Storm on the day, finishing second in the 100 with a time of 13:24 and third in the 200 with a 28.13.

Simpson had an impressive day in high jump, as Jamie Glanz finished second with a 1.54 meter clearance and Kamryn Juni finished third by clearing 1.49 meters.

Luci Swarthout had a successful college debut in the 400 meter hurdles, finishing third with a time of 1:11.7. Sophie Hall finished sixth with a time of 1:15.36.

The Storm had more contributors scoring points in the open events, including Jaycie Owens finishing fifth in the 400, and Corinne Thomas and Kamryn Juni finishing sixth in the 100 and 200, respectively.

Simpson will be in action next at the Central Invitational on April 5-6 in Pella at 2 p.m.

Meet Report
100 — 2. MacKenzie James, 13.24 | 6. Corinne Thomas, 14.33
200 — 3. MacKenzie James, 28.13 | 6. Kamryn Juni, 28.73
400 — 5. Jaycie Owens, 1:06.96
1500 — 1. Audrey Klein, 5:14.14 | 4. Emily Buchheit, 5:23.52
400 hurdles — 3. Luci Swarthout, 1:11.7 | 6. Sophie Hall, 1:15.36
High jump — 2. Jamie Glanz, 1.54m | 3. Kamryn Juni, 1.49