Senior Ruby Radocaj set a new school record in wining the javelin in the first event of the Oregon Pepsi Team Invitational, but it was a true freshman Hannah Studt’s effort in meet’s final event, the discus, that proved the difference in Minnesota capturing the team title by a single point.

Radocaj, an All-American in the javelin a year ago, sailed a winning toss of 187 feet, 6 inches to break a school record that had stayed on the books for 13 years (Heather Berlin, 183-2, 1995). The mark in not only an NCAA Midwest Region Championships qualifier, but also surpasses an Olympic A qualifying standard.

Minnesota edged Oregon in the chase for the team title by a single point. The final outcome came down to the discus, which culminated after the events were completed on the track. Gopher senior Liz Podominick captured first place with a throw of 161-8, but the dramatic finish was accomplished by Studt in her final throw. Studt jumped into second place with a throw of 155-10 giving the Gophers the points necessary to edge the Ducks, 193-192. Penn State finished third, while Washington was fourth.

“We feel good about where we are right now as a team,” said Golden Gopher head coach Matt Bingle. “This was really our first solid test of the outdoor season and despite less than ideal weather conditions, we had some very good performances.”