MT. PLEASANT, Mich. - The Saginaw Valley State University men's and women's track and field squads competed at the 2013 Lyle Bennett Open hosted by Central Michigan University today (April 27).

Women

Freshman Tori Gillespie (Bay City, Mich. / Marion) earned a first place finish in the javelin throw with a distance of 100-feet-3 inches in Friday (April 26) action.

Sophomore Emerald Joiner (Saginaw, Mich. / Arthur Hill) continued her successful campaign with a third place finish in the discus throw after a mark of 123-feet-9-inches.

Freshman Anna Fochesato (Holly, Mich. / Brandon) posted a second place finish in the high jump competition after clearing a height of 5-feet-4 1/2-inches. 

Men

The SVSU men were led by junior Jake Lauka (Oxford, Mich. / Lake Orion) who finished in first place of the 3000 meter steeplechase event. Lauka cruised to victory by over 13 seconds with a time of 9:54.39. 

Sophomore Tony Peel (Swartz Creek, Mich.) earned a runner-up finish for his effort in the 3000 meter run after crossing the line with a time of 8:55.00.

Junior Frank Sanders (Detroit, Mich. / Sterling Heights) recorded a height of 6-foot-7 inches in the men's high jump competition to earn third place as the junior continues to excel in the field events.

Senior Joey Burelle (Sterling Heights, Mich. / Stevenson) finished in third position in the 1500 middle distance race after clocking in with a time of 4:02.38. 

The SVSU track and field team will use the next few days to prepare for the 2013 GLIAC Outdoor Championships hosted by Ashland University starting Wednesday (May 1).