ROCHESTER, NY – The Alfred University men's and women's track & field teams sent only a small portion of their roster to compete at the University of Rochester Alumni Invitational on Saturday as the women finished 11^th and the men were 13^th out of 13 teams.
 
The men scored five points as George Mecca (Derby, NY/Eden) finished fourth in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 58.35. The women had 11 points as Ashley O'Toole (Simi Valley, CA/Simi Valley) and Madison Palmer (East Aurora, NY/East Aurora) led the way.
 
O'Toole scored her points with a personal best time of 12:55.68 in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, finishing fifth. Palmer also finished fifth to score four points. She threw 11.42m (37'-5.75") in the shot put, reaching that distance on her first throw of the finals. Olivia Gilbert (Ontario, NY/Wayne Central) added the final three points with a sixth place finish in the 400-meter hurdles, clocking in a time of 1:01.27.
 
"With the wind and the rain we knew this meet wasn't going to be about times, but it allowed us to focus on form, technique and execution during the races," Interim Head Coach Matt Phillips '10 said. "Also big shout out to all the alumni that came to see the Saxons compete. We appreciate your continued support!"
 
McKenzie Hall (Hornell, NY/Hornell) also put together a Top-10 performance. She ran a 19:24.21 in the 5,000-meter run for 10^th place. Jason Crocker (Oreland, PA/Springfield Township) was short of the Top-10 in the discus, finishing 11^th with a toss of 38.84m (127'-5"). He also finished 13^th in the shot put, throwing 11.83m (38'-9.75").
 
Palmer also took 12^th in the hammer throw, marking 38.85m (127'-5") on her second throw.
 
The Saxons will next compete in their final regular season meet, traveling to St. John Fisher University on Saturday, April 29. It will be the final meet before the two-day Empire 8 Outdoor Championships on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 at Utica University.