Hull runs away with DMR win for Oregon women

By Brian Towey for DyeStat

NEW YORK -- A year removed from its NCAA record-breaking 10:48.77 in the women's distance medley relay, Oregon returned Friday to New York for the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge. The results were similarly impressive.

The Ducks rolled to a 11:00.13 win over Villanova (11:11.76) and Georgetown (11:16.28), keyed by redshirt freshman Jessica Hull's 4:38.59 1,600-meter leg.

"I was super-impressed with Jess Hull on the anchor," Oregon assistant coach Maurica Powell said. "She was very veteran-like."

Lilli Burdon's 3:23.13 1,200-meter leg brought the Ducks to first. Hannah Waller (54.00 400-meter leg) and Sabrina Southerland (2:05.8 800-meter leg) bridged to Hull.

"Beforehand I was calm," said Hull, from Albion Park, Australia. "When I started running the adrenaline (from the crowd) starting going."

Oregon's men's distance medley used a 3:58.73 1,600-meter anchor leg from Sam Prakel for a 9:31.85 win over Brigham Young (9:36.13) and Georgetown (9:38.13).

After BYU had taken a slight lead on Oregon from Abraham Alvarado's 1:47.64 800-meter leg, Prakel passed BYU's anchor 600 meters in then cruised to the win. Blake Haney (2:54.45 1,200-meter leg), Cameron Stone (47.05 400-meter leg) and Mick Stanovsek contributed to the win.