The Missouri Southern Lions are coming off of their last meet at Pittsburg State University, the Gorilla Classic.  

“The weather was not great,” Head Coach Patty Vavra said. “Brandy [Simpson] showed some good performances, but she can always improve on her events, as well.”

The Lions were able to take home two titles at the meet and also had one athlete break her own school record.

Lisa Vengels tied her own school record in the high jump, won the event at the Gorilla Classic and hit an automatic-qualifying mark for the Division-II Track & Field Outdoor Championships. The height is also the best out of Division-II this season.

“Lisa had a great day in the high jump. She is really coming into her own at just the right time,” Vavra said.   

Vanessa Langford was the other athlete that captured a title at the meet, winning the pole vault with a height of 11 feet, eight inches, which is the best of her career.

Kelly McKay finished second in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.15. McKay also finished third in the 400-meter dash with a time of 56.93, which is a career best.

Nicole Green had a provisional mark in the shot put with a toss of 45 feet, nine inches, good for a third place finish.

“This is a very important week coming up that we have been planning for since the start of the season. Since we will not be heading to the KU relays, the team will be going to the University of Arkansas and Central Missouri University,” Vavra said.