Cal Athletics
Historic Achievement: Cal Sends Record Number of Female Throwers to NCAA Finals
**COLLEGE STATION, Texas** – In a monumental display of skill and determination, the California track and field team embarked on their journey at Texas A&M’s E.B. Cushing Stadium this Thursday. With dreams of advancing to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in **Eugene, Oregon**, the Bears showcased their talent, aiming for spots in Saturday’s quarterfinal races.
### **A Trailblazing Performance in Hammer Throw**
For the **first time in program history**, three exceptional women from the Bears have qualified to compete in the **NCAA finals** for the hammer throw. This remarkable feat mirrors the last time any program achieved this milestone—**USC in 2012**—making it a historic moment for Cal Athletics.
**Freshman Valentina Savva**, one of only two freshmen in Eugene, dominated the competition with a spectacular throw of **67.75m (222-3)**, leading all participants. Meanwhile, **Audrey Jacobs** followed closely, advancing to her second NCAA final with a personal-best throw of **64.94m (213-1)**. The fierce competitor and ACC Champion, **Giavonna Meeks**, also shone brightly with a commendable throw of **64.55m (211-9)**, marking her debut in an outdoor NCAA final. Rounding out the throwing squad, **Adrianna Coleman** recorded a solid **57.90m (189-11)**, while **Amanda Spear** added her mark with **55.58m (183-3)**.
> “As Joe Kapp said, ‘The Bear will not quit. The Bear will not die,’” remarked assistant coach **Mohamad Saatara**, reflecting the tenacity of this remarkable team.
### **Strong Showings in Other Events**
Cal’s prowess continued in the **100m hurdles**, with two phenomenal athletes earning their spots for Saturday’s quarterfinals. **Asjah Atkinson** finished third in her heat, sprinting to a personal-best time of **13.22**, placing her fourth all-time in Cal history. **Saqqara Ruffin** followed with an impressive wind-aided PR of **13.24**, showcasing the Bears’ strength in hurdles. Though **Mari Testa** narrowly missed advancing, finishing just 0.03 seconds off her best time with a run of **13.48**, she showed immense potential.
In addition to hurdles, Atkinson also made her mark in the **long jump**, recording a distance of **5.98m (19-7.5)**. The Bears’ campaign faced setbacks in other events as **Jayden Hill** concluded her run in the **800m** with a time of **2:07.10**, and **Loreal Wilson** finished close to qualification with **58.68** in the **400m hurdles**. In the pole vault, **Ali Sahaida** achieved a personal best with a mark of **4.17m (13-8.25)**.
### **NCAA West Regionals – Women’s Results (Day 2)**
– **800m Prelim**:
– **Jayden Hill**: 2:07.10
– **100m Hurdles Prelim**:
– **Asjah Atkinson**: 13.22 (Q, PR, 4th Cal History)
– **Saqqara Ruffin**: 13.24w (Q, wind-aided PR)
– **Mari Testa**: 13.48
– **400m Hurdles Prelim**:
– **Loreal Wilson**: 58.68
– **Pole Vault**:
– **Ali Sahaida**: 4.17m/13-8.25
– **Long Jump**:
– **Asjah Atkinson**: 5.98m/19-7.5
– **Shot Put**:
– **Lucija Leko**: 17.10m/56-1.25 (Q, PR, School Record)
– **Hammer Throw**:
– **Valentina Savva**: 67.75m/222-3 (Q)
– **Audrey Jacobs**: 64.94m/213-1 (Q)
– **Giavonna Meeks**: 64.55m/211-9 (Q)
– **Adrianna Coleman**: 57.90m/189-11
– **Amanda Spear**: 55.58m/183-3
### **What’s Next for the Bears?**
The excitement continues as Cal’s men take to the field on Friday, commencing with the **men’s discus** at 11 a.m. PT.
### **Stay Connected for All the Action!**
For fans eager to follow the women’s progress and witness further achievements of the Bears, be sure to follow them on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/CalTFXC) (@CalTFXC), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/caltfxc/?hl=en) (@caltfxc), and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CalTFXC/) (@Cal Cross Country/Track and Field).
