Elon and Northeastern Charge Ahead on Opening Day of 2026 CAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship
Ben Kane
ELON, N.C. (May 15, 2026) – Elon and Northeastern put on strong opening-day displays to earn the most points on the first day of the 2026 CAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship from Jerry and Jeanne Robertson Track and Field Complex on the campus of Elon on Friday.
Elon took a commanding lead in the women's competition thanks in part to its performance in the final event of the day, the 10,000m. Claiming all three podium spots, the Phoenix earned its most points in a single event (24) to close out its day’s tally at 66. William & Mary took first in two events to earn 55 points and put the Tribe in second to end the night. Monmouth (20), Towson (20), Hampton (19), and UNCW (16) all sit in a tightly congested standings, having each claimed multiple podium finishes throughout the day.
On the men's side, Northeastern excelled in all aspects of the meet, totaling 61 points. The Huskies had two first-place finishes (10,000m and hammer throw) to push them nine points ahead of second-place William & Mary. (52 points). Monmouth isn’t far behind at 45 points, while last season’s champ, N.C. A&T, is in a tie for sixth with UNCW at 13 points, just behind Hampton (23) and Stony Brook (14).
Women’s Pole Vault
William & Mary’s Elizabeth Strobach put in one of the performances of the day to take the gold medal. Clearing 4.28m, she set a school, meet, and conference record. Charleston’s Elaine Zhai set a personal best with her 4.03m clearance for second, while the Tribe’s Kalli Knott rounded out the podium by clearing the same height.
Men’s Hammer
Northeastern went one-two in the men’s hammer with Aidan Moreau taking first for a 58.02m throw. His teammate, Zackery DelSasso, was just behind him at 56.42 while N.C. A&T’s Alex Henry took the last spot on the podium with his 56.08m mark.
Men’s 10,000 Meters
Ryan Slaney had a season-best performance to earn gold with a 29:40.52 finish. Hofstra’s Daniel Torrillo had the Pride’s best finish of the day, claiming silver on a 29:58.64 pace. William & Mary’s Hayes Trapp rounded out the group after completing the race with a 29:58.84 time.
Women’s 10,000 Meters
Elon took all three spots on the podium, with the conference’s leader this season retaining her crown. Katie Blount’s 34:24.65 effort earned her 10 points, while Hannah Weber (34:33.45) and Jasmine Young (34:53.30) fell in line just behind her.
Women’s Hammer Throw
William & Mary’s Amelia Bawcombe cracked into the NCAA’s top-50 marks this season with a title-winning 62.26m toss. Elon’s Isabella Johnson wasn’t far behind her mark with a 61.68m throw for second, while Hampton’s Jaida Graham claimed third with a 58.97m performance.
Men’s Javelin
The CAA’s leader in the event this season, Monmouth’s Evan Niedrowski, carried his hot form into the Championship and won gold with a 71.87m throw. The graduate student’s throw broke a 15-year meet record. William & Mary’s Raiden Lafortune placed second with his 63.88m toss, while Northeastern’s Matthew St. Cyr earned third with a 62.72m mark.
Women’s Javelin
Elon’s Jacqueline Zacharias won gold with a 46.14m performance in the event. William & Mary’s Elaina Perkins (43.30m) and UNCW’s Jamisyn Aillet (40.37m) rounded out the podium.
Women’s Long Jump
N.C. A&T’s Olivia Dowd won gold with a 5.99m leap, narrowly edging Hampton’s Danielle James (5.94m). Tia Taylor won the final podium spot by .01m, landing at 5.80m
Men’s Long Jump
Three different programs were represented on the podium, with Hampton’s Marquis White earning the highest position with his 7.69m leap. UNCW’s Ivan Poag earned second with a personal-best 7.39m, while Monmouth’s Aaron Brooks also had a career-long 7.37m jump.
Women’s 3000m Steeplechase
Elon’s Alicen Ashley put in a season-best 10:35.74 performance to earn the top mark. Monmouth’s Kristen Sarnicola’s career-best 10:36.02 pace was good for second at the meet, while Hofstra’s Isabella Spagnoli earned the Pride’s first podium finish of the day with her 10:47.75 time.
Men’s 3000m Steeplechase
Stony Brook’s Peter Fogarty ran away with it in the final lap to earn the Seawolves their first gold medal of the day with a 9:18.66 finish. William & Mary went two-three on the podium with Luke Ellwood’s personal-best time of 9:19.31, claiming second, and Eric Fagan slotting in third (9:19.34).
Men’s Pole Vault
William & Mary’s Leighton McGee narrowly edged Monmouth’s Eddie Frey on attempts to take first after the duo each cleared 4.75m. Hampton’s Floyd Tucker and Northeastern’s Alexander Yuen were tied for third after both reached the 4.60m, Tucker found the podium thanks to clearing it on his first time of asking.
Men’s Standings:
1.Northeastern - 61
2.William & Mary - 52
3.Monmouth - 45
4.Hampton - 23
5.Stony Brook - 14
6.N.C. A&T - 13
6.UNCW- 13
8.Hofstra - 11
9. Campbell - 2
Women’s Standings:
1.Elon – 66
2.William & Mary - 59
3.Monmouth – 20
3.Towson - 20
4.Hampton - 19
5.UNCW – 16
7.Charleston - 12
8.N.C. A&T - 10
9. Hofstra - 6
10.Northeastern – 5
11. Campbell – 1
12.Stony Brook - 0
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