Hokie ClubCHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Seniors Natalie Sherbak, Erin Reddan, Billy Berlin and sophomore Hunter Hall all tallied victories for the Virginia Tech track and field squad at the Tar Heel and Aggie Classic in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Sunday.
Sophomore Hunter Hall led off the string of wins for the Hokies, matching his outdoor career-best in the event with a clearance of 17-00.75. Fellow sophomore Joe Davis finished fourth in the event, vaulting a 16-00.75. Saturday marked Hall’s first victory in the outdoor pole vault in his career.
On the women’s side, three Hokies placed second, third and fourth in the pole vault. Freshman Abby Schaffer, already regionally qualified entering the weekend, claimed runner-up with a clearance of 12-07.50, while junior Lisa Birnbaum regionally qualified in the event with a third-place effort of 12-07.50 as well. Sophomore Kelly Phillips came in fourth, earning a height of 12-01.50.
The first gold medal on the track came via senior Billy Berlin who, in his first 800-meter competition this season, regionally qualified with an effort of 1:50.05. The Midlothian, Va., native is also regionally qualified in the 1,500-meters. Sophomore Chris Walizer shattered his career best in the 800-meters, posting a time of 1:51.82 to take fifth overall.
In the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, senior Erin Reddan crossed the line with a season-best time of 10:49.19. The Bricktown, N.J., native won the event in only her second time competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase this season.
Senior Natalie Sherbak capped off the Tech victories on the day in the women’s 5,000-meters, running a 17:13.61 to finish first. Sophomore Jessica Trapeni put together a strong showing in the race as well. The Fairfax, Va., native clocked a career-best 17:38.27 to place second.
Three freshmen also put together solid days in Chapel Hill. Jason Cusack shined in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, placing second with a time of 9:25.58. Meanwhile, Will Mulherin and Michael Hammond came in third and fourth, respectively, in the 1,500-meter run. Mulherin clocked a 3:48.50 in his first 1,500-meter run of the season, while Hammond ran a career-best 3:49.92.
The Hokies will take next weekend off, before competing at the NCAA East Regional in Greensboro, N.C., on May 29-30. Results will be available on hokiesports.com, after each day of competition.