A SURGE OF STRENGTH: MONTCLAIR STATE WOMEN COMMAND DAY ONE OF THE NJAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

THE PRESS CENTER | THE ROCKY REWIND | SPORTS

FEBRUARY 22 206 AT 8:30 PM

Philadelphia, Pa. — The Montclair State University Women’s Indoor Track & Field team opened the 2026 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championships with unmistakable authority, earning two medals and delivering a series of performances that affirmed their power, preparation, and competitive intent. From the first event to the final whistle of the day, the Red Hawks demonstrated that they are a team built on discipline, ambition, and the unwavering belief that they belong at the forefront of conference competition.

HOW IT HAPPENED — A DAY DEFINED BY CONFIDENCE AND EXECUTION

Shot Put Excellence

• CHLOE BRIJBAG secured a commanding silver medal with a throw of 11.96m (39′ 3″), reinforcing her status as one of the conference’s most formidable throwers.
• MAYA YESALONIS delivered a strong sixth‑place finish at 11.50m (37′ 9″), showcasing precision and competitive poise.
• JELANI HERNANDEZ added depth to Montclair’s presence in the event with a 10th‑place throw of 10.42m (34′ 2.25″), completing a trio of determined Red Hawk performances.

4×200 Relay Brings Home Bronze

• The unified force of MAILE O’NEILL, KAELYN RODRIGUEZ, AISHA GARCIA, and MCKAY ALBY powered through the track to earn the bronze medal with a time of 1:44.22. Their execution reflected trust, speed, and the relentless drive that has made Montclair a consistent contender in relay events.

Sprint Strength in the 60-Meter Dash

• O’Neill surged to second place (7.73), tying the program record and signaling her readiness to challenge the conference’s best.
• Alby followed with a confident third‑place finish (7.82).
• Garcia added to the team’s sprinting momentum with fifth place (7.92).
• ALAIA‑ZANII TAYLOR delivered a competitive 8.07, finishing just outside the finals but reinforcing the team’s depth and upward trajectory.

Distance Medley Relay Resilience

• The DMR team of BRIANNA RODDY, ALEXA ALI, ODALYS GUERRERO‑DOMINGUEZ, and LILLIANA SNYDER secured fourth place with a time of 13:12.22, demonstrating endurance, strategy, and unwavering commitment to the race plan.

60-Meter Hurdles Precision

• ALICIA RIGGINS earned her place in the finals with a determined sixth‑place finish (9.65).
• KARINA ROMERO added a 10th‑place performance at 10.25, contributing to Montclair’s presence in the hurdles.

5000-Meter Endurance

• ABIGAIL CHURCHILL represented the Red Hawks with grit and consistency, finishing sixth in 18:57.62, a testament to her discipline and competitive stamina.

Pentathlon Versatility

• JESSICA HOLLER completed all five events with focus and resilience—60m hurdles (9.60), high jump (1.42m), shot put (7.26m), long jump (4.84m), and 800m (3:01.36)—earning 2544 points and a sixth‑place finish in a demanding field.

Long Jump Impact

• CHARLEY KLINE soared to eighth place with a leap of 4.99m (16′ 4.5″).
• ZAIDA TAYLOR‑BURCH followed closely in ninth (4.90m / 16′ 1″), reinforcing Montclair’s competitive presence in the event.

INSIDE THE RESULTS — MILESTONES THAT MATTER

• Brijbag became the sixth Red Hawk in program history to medal in the shot put and the first in three years, marking a significant return to the podium.
• The 4×200 relay earned its third bronze medal in four years, underscoring Montclair’s sustained excellence in the event.
• O’Neill matched Alby’s program record in the 60-meter dash, signaling a new era of sprinting strength for the Red Hawks.
• SOURCE CREDIT:montclairathletics.com/news/