EMIITTSBURG, MD - The Rider women's track and field team wrapped up competition at the 2026 MAAC Outdoor Championships with a third-place team finish, totaling 125 points behind a pair of individual titles and a relay championship performance.

Tamara Rawles earned a podium finish in the 400m, placing third overall with a time of 55.53.

Janell Mordi captured her first career MAAC title in the 400m hurdles, crossing the line in 1:01.73 to take gold.

Essence Wright captured the discus throw title with a mark of 44.26m while also earning MAAC Field Rookie of the Year honors.

In the triple jump, Samara Jones narrowly missed the podium with a fourth-place finish after posting a program-record mark of 12.35m.

The Broncs also struck gold in the 4x800 relay as the quartet of Olivia Bortz, Liz Fis, Tatiana Nunez, and Julie Ruskan combined for the event title.

Quotes and Notes
"We had some really exciting performances today. We had a few champions, which is always great for the athletes and the program. We had two freshmen win individual championships which is an incredible for the program. 

Essence had a huge day, winning the discus. This was an incredible performance and a credit to how hard she has worked to get to this point. To win as a freshman is an incredible accomplishment and it was great to see her win the Field Rookie of the Year.

Janell had an outstanding championship. Two big hurdle races culminating in winning the 400 hurdles. She has been really good for us during the last month. 

The 4x800 women ran an outstanding race. Tatiana ran a big third leg to get us back into to give Julie a chance. Julie had a tough individual race yesterday, but she took advantage of the next opportunity. It was great to see her go out like that. 

Dylan ran four gritty races for us today. She is a little banged up, but she stepped up for the team. She was on the 4x100 that ran a number two time all time, ran the second all time mark in the 200, and finished out the day running a great anchor on the 4x400 that ran the number three mark all time. 

Sammy Jones had a great weekend. She had a huge jump to get the Rider Record in the triple jump. She has worked really hard for this moment, and it was exciting to see her have this success." - Rider Director of Cross Country, Track & Field Bob Hamer.