Results

SPOKANE, Wash. - Lily Luksich shattered the school record in the pole vault as the Pacific Lutheran University men's and women's track & field programs sent three pole vaulters to the Spokane Invitational on Saturday to open the lid on the 2021-2022 indoor season.
 
"It was exciting for three of our vaulters to get an early start to the indoor season. All of them put in work in the offseason and had some great practices this fall to be ready to compete," said Head Coach Adam Frye.
 
"I knew adding Pat Licari to our coaching staff was going to have a big impact on our program. We're seeing that in a big way now both in recruiting and in the development of our student-athletes in the pole vault."
 
Luksich made her Lute debut in style, shattering the school record in the indoor pole vault after clearing 11 feet, 3 ¾ inches on her second attempt at the height. The first-year's performance is the Lutes' top pole vault performance, indoor or outdoor, in school history, eclipsing Laura Fisher's indoor best of 10' 2 ½" set during the 2005 season and bettered the outdoor school record clearances of 10' 11 ¾" from both Fisher (2005) and Olivia Raymond (2015).
 
Luksich was unable to clear the next height, 11' 9 3/4", finishing 13th overall amongst the 26 competitor field that included student-athletes representing all three NCAA divisions.
 
Teammate Kristine Nguyen was one spot back in 14th, clearing 10' 10" on her first attempt. Nguyen's performance bettered the previous school record in the indoor pole vault and was just a quarter inch off her outdoor PR.
 
"Lily and Kristine both had great debuts. Jumping at PR heights in December says a lot about their preparation and what is ahead for them."
 
On the men's side, Corey Solomon entered the competition at 14' 1 ¼" but was unable to clear the bar in his three attempts at the height.
 
"Corey was looking great in warm-ups and that will translate into competition in the future."
 
PLU takes the next month off and will return to the indoor circuit on January 15, competing at the UW Preview Meet in Seattle.