Maryville claims MEC
by St. Joseph News-Press

PLATTE CITY, Mo. — Jenny Zweifel’s comeback couldn’t have come at a better time for Maryville’s track team.

Without star sprinter Taylor Gadbois, the Spoofhounds’ senior filled the void and picked up just enough points to propel her team to a 3 1/2-point win over Chillicothe during Saturday’s Midland Empire Conference meet at Platte County.

Zweifel also defended her long jump title, and Maryville won the meet for the second consecutive year.

“To have her back and healthy made such a big difference,” Maryville coach Grant Hageman said. “But when you win by 3 1/2, you look back and see that every point matters.”

Jordan Stiens (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and high jump) and Megan Walker (shot and discus) combined for five individual victories to help Maryville win its eighth meet in as many tries this season. The Spoofhounds will try for their ninth Tuesday at Benton.

“This group finds a way to finish and close it out,” Hageman said. “They’re used to being in that position and really handle it well.”

Chillicothe’s boys scored 138 points to win the team title.

Timm Derrickson (800), Joseph Stull (discus) and Clint Dysart (pole vault) provided the Hornets with their only individual wins.

Brandon Tunks’ three wins in the sprints weren’t enough to boost Cameron above a third-place team finish.

Among city schools, Lafayette’s Lindsay Laderoute finished second behind Stiens in both hurdle events, while Nick Edwards won the 1,600-meter run. Kyle Williams also broke out with a 21-foot long jump.

Taylor Woodruff claimed the 3,200-meter run for Benton’s only conference win. She also finished second in the mile, and Hannah Moore was second in the 400.