NEW YORK, NY – The Rider women's indoor track and field team delivered a strong performance on the opening day of the 2025 MAAC Indoor Track and Field Championships at the 168th Street Armory, finishing the day in second place.
Mariah Stephens led the way for the Broncs, capturing gold in the long jump with a mark of 6.05m, while
Raisa Palleija joined her on the podium with a second-place finish.
Gabrielle Vetere secured third in the pole vault, clearing 3.80m, and
Danielle Lambert also earned a third-place finish in the weight throw with a mark of 15.51m.
Multiple Broncs advanced to tomorrow's events in their respective events. Stephens,
Dylan Giloley, and
Taylor Johnson all qualified for the 60m final.
Defending MAAC 60m hurdles champion
Mariah Stephens secured the top spot in the prelims with a time of 8.60, earning her place in tomorrow's final. She'll be joined by Palleija, who also qualified.
Giloley, Johnson, and
Hailey Palmer each secured spots in the 200m final, while
Lydia Wallace and
Krisantha Spencer advanced to the 800m final.
Jordan O'Neill dominated the mile prelims, finishing first with a time of 4:58.35 to secure a place in the final.
Grace Medei also clinched a spot in the 5000m final after finishing with a time of 17:06.11.
Quotes and Notes
"We faced some adversity today and we need to keep battling. I felt throughout the meet even if we had something not go our way, in the next event someone really brought it. We need to have a really big day 2 tomorrow.
Mariah was outstanding today. She won another long jump championship with a Rider record jump. She had two big straightaway races to advance to tomorrow's finals. She has always been such a clutch big time championship performer.
Danielle Lambert did a real nice job in the weight throw today. She is such a quiet performer but stepped up to score well for the team today."
– Rider Director of Cross Country, Track & Field Bob Hamer
Up Next
The Broncs return to action to wrap up the 2025 MAAC Indoor Track and Field Championships tomorrow Feb. 23 at the Armory.
