The BYU women’s track and field team delivered a dominant performance on day one of the Big 12 Indoor Championships on Friday, securing key points across multiple events and ultimately finishing second overall in the conference.
The Cougars posted strong scores throughout the competition, tallying five points in the distance medley relay (DMR), six points in the 400 meters, seven points in the 800 meters, a commanding 15 points in the mile, and 20 points in the 5,000 meters. They also added five points in the pole vault but lost six points due to penalties.
Marren Garnett made history in the pole vault, setting an all-time BYU school record with a clearance of 4.46 meters (14 feet, 7.55 inches).
Lexy Halladay-Lowry was crowned a Big 12 champion after winning the 5,000 meters in 15:32.52, leading a dominant BYU effort in the distance events. Riley Chamberlain also claimed a conference title, winning the mile with an impressive time of 4:31.78.
Several other Cougars delivered podium finishes. Mayci Taylor placed third in the pentathlon, while Garnett finished fifth in the pole vault. Rebekah Erikson also secured a top-eight finish, placing eighth in the pole vault.
Sami Oblad stole the spotlight in the sprints, breaking the all-time BYU school record in the 400 meters with a blistering 51.70-second performance.
BYU’s strong showing earned it a second-place finish in the Big 12 championships, solidifying the Cougars' status as one of the nation’s top teams heading into the outdoor season.
With the indoor season behind them, the Cougars now turn their focus to the outdoor campaign, beginning March 21-22 at the Utah Tech Invitational in St. George, Utah.
After an exceptional indoor season, BYU will look to build on its momentum as it aims to defend its national title.