One element preventing the women’s track team from improving in its outdoor season has been the weather.

CMU had to forego some of its scheduled weekend events because of inclement weather for the second consecutive week.

The Chippewas had their season’s only home meet canceled duties before thunderstorms this weekend resulted in a partial meet in Knoxville, Tenn.

Perhaps the biggest detriment for CMU was it was in the midst of a good performance before rain ended the meet.

“We had a lot of good things happen at this meet, but it was unfortunate for some of our girls because they didn’t get to compete at all,” said senior Connie Mallinson. “Those who did get to compete competed really well. It was great to see some of the girls who haven’t competed all season race and jump.”

The highlight of the abbreviated day came from junior Jenaie Edwards, who ran the second fastest 800-meter run in school history at 2:10.33. Edwards missed the NCAA qualifying time by one-half second.

The 4×100-meter relay team of juniors Ariss Seals and Tempestt Stanford, freshman Cara Dukes and senior Najah Floyd also did well, finishing eighth with a time of 46.30.

The 4×400 meter team was hoping for an even better finish, but didn’t compete because of the weather.

“The main goal for me was to help the 4×400 relay qualify for regionals and we did not get the chance to run,” said freshman Erin Dillon. “It was overall a good meet, and it is too bad it got cut a little short because I was really excited to run the 4×400.”

Dillon said it didn’t matter the meet was unscored because not many Mid-American Conference schools were competing.

Some of the Chippewas believe the poor weather conditions benefit the team.

“This meet was important for us as an opener for some girls and as a chance to compete in some better weather than Michigan,” Mallinson said. “I think it has left us excited for the next meet.”

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