STORRS, Conn.— In a thrilling showcase at the 2025 BIG EAST Outdoor Track and Field Championships, senior distance runner Sadie Sigfstead (Edmonton, Alta.) clinched the bronze medal in the 5000 meters, highlighting an incredible performance by the Villanova Wildcats. **Three standout athletes from Villanova** scored points in the event, reinforcing the team’s competitiveness as they aimed for glory on the track.
### Villanova Takes Charge in the 5K
As the night unfolded, the all-senior trio of Sigfstead, Margaret Carroll (Mount Wolf, Pa.), and Emma McGill (Lebanon, N.J.) each made their mark in the 5K for the second consecutive outdoor BIG EAST meet. Together, they propelled Villanova to **28 team points**, landing the Wildcats in a solid fourth place as the championships headed into the final day of competition. Notably, **11 of these points came directly from this trio’s stellar performance in the 5K**.
#### Sigfstead Shines Again
Achieving her **seventh career All-BIG EAST honor** and second in the 5000 meters, Sigfstead exhibited unwavering stamina throughout the race, finishing with an impressive time of **16:07.57**. Her presence on the track had already indicated strong potential for the upcoming NCAA East Preliminary, where she intends to compete in both the 5K and 10K events. The championship meet allowed her to focus on her race rather than merely chasing time, an advantage that paid off handsomely.
### Carroll and McGill: A Dynamic Duo
Carroll wasn’t far behind, clinching fifth place with a **personal best of 16:14.66**, making this her second time scoring at the BIG EAST Championships in both the 10K and 5K. The past two nights have showcased **her best finishes in BIG EAST history**, highlighted by a remarkable drop in her personal record for the 5K and an astonishing nearly minute cut in her 10K, clocking in at **34:17.69** just one day earlier.
McGill also proved her mettle, leading the field for the initial 1200 meters before the pace quickened. She finished eighth, clocking in at **16:30.15**. This performance underscores her competitive spirit, as she helped Villanova improve on last season’s standings in the outdoor 5K, where the Wildcats finished **4-5-8**.
### Looking Forward
As the championships progress, the Wildcats look poised to continue their strong performance on the track. With Sigfstead, Carroll, and McGill leading the charge, Villanova aims to accumulate even more points in the remaining events.
Stay tuned as the Big East Championships conclude, and witness the fierce determination of these talented athletes. To learn more about the BIG EAST Conference and track events, visit their [official website](https://www.bigeast.com).
