Results

SPOKANE, Wash. — Ki Neir made history as Pacific Lutheran University's first ever Northwest Conference Champion in the pole vault, headlining day one for the women's track & field squad at the 2026 NWC Championships at Whitworth University's Pine Bowl. 

Neir became just the third Lute in school history to clear 12 feet in the vault, soaring above 12 feet, 0 ¾ inches to secure the crown by over five inches. Neir's nearest competitor— George Fox University's Kylie Morais— cleared 11' 7" to place runner-up. Neir cleared the winning height on her third and final attempt of the day, a mark that currently sits as the 30th best vault in NCAA Division III this season. Neir wasn't the only Lute scoring points in the event with Abi Caprye tying for eighth with a clearance of 10' 7".

"Ki started the day off phenomenally, winning the pole vault and just competing really well," said Head Coach Trey Henderson.

Samaiya White placed fourth in the hammer throw with a heave of 152' 0" while Sandra Valmonte was seventh with a mark of 148' 9". Tajanai Huff tallied points in the shot put, heaving the implement 39' 1 ¼" to place eighth. 
 
Marshall was seventh in the long jump with a leap of 17' 2 ¼" with Madison Downey ninth with a season-best effort of 17' 0 ½". 
 
Caprye and Addisen Hering both qualified for finals in the 100-meter hurdles. Caprye placed fifth in 15.35 seconds with Hering securing the eighth and final spot with a time of 15.61. Hering later qualified for the 400-meter hurdles finals, finishing sixth overall in 1:07.69, placing runner-up in heat two. 
 
Marshall was sixth in the 100-meter dash, punching a ticket to tomorrow's finals. Marshall darted down the homestretch in a personal best 12.54, finishing fourth in her preliminary heat. 
 
Jessalyn Robles qualified for Sunday's finals in the 800-meters, finishing the two-lap race in a personal best 2:21.70. 
 
Heather Johnson was ninth in the 400-meters, finishing fifth in heat one in 1:00.54. 

"Samaiya having a three meter PR in the hammer was a highlight. On the track, Kira making the 100-meter final and our women qualifying in the hurdles was great to see. We have a really young team and they embraced the competition. We're so excited to finish the weekend tomorrow."

Pacific Lutheran sits fourth overall in the team standings after day one of the championships with 20.5 points. George Fox University sits atop the standings with 101 points followed by host Whitworth University (70 points). 

The Lutes resume the 2026 NWC Championships tomorrow morning with action resuming at 10 a.m.