NEW YORK, NY – Samantha Kamara led the Rider University women's track & field team with a first-place finish in the weight throw in Rider's season-opening event at the Armory Friday.

Rider placed high in both weight throw and shot put with Kamara finishing first and also setting a PR with a mark of 17.28m and in shot put Natya Glasco finishing in second with the mark of 13.64m. 

Junior Hailey Palmer set a new rider record in 300m. Palmer finished sixth with a time of 40.41.

Sophomore Olivia Smith finished eighth in long jump with the mark of 5.49m that also put her in Rider top ten. 

Mariah Stephens came out as one of the Broncs' top performers as she took home an ECAC qualifying time in the 60m hurdles. She also has a Rider record in triple jump. Stephens placed third in the triple jump with a 12.00m mark. Stephens also finished 60m hurdles with a time of 8.82 to finish third overall. 

Quotes & Notes
"It was a great start to the indoor season with three Rider records, some ECAC IC4A qualifiers, and some event wins. We had many competitive efforts with some great outcomes." 

Palmer has worked very hard to be where she is today. She had a great effort to earn the Rider record. She ran a very strong competitive race. There are more big things coming for her. 

"Mariah Stephens had a really strong meet. She has been a standout performer for the program every year and she is starting out this season on the right path. It was great to see her jump a Rider record in the triple jump and get a few ECAC qualifiers as well today. " - Rider Head Coach Bob Hamer

ECAC Qualifiers

60H  8.81  Stephens
WT 17.28m  Kamara
SP  13.64m  Glasco