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Rock vaulters sweep at IUP invitational

Erik Dravenstott led a one through four sweep by Slippery Rock University in the men's pole vault to highlight the school's performances in the 32nd annual IUP Track and Field Invitational Saturday.

Dravenstott's winning vault of 15 feet, 9 inches earned him a provisional berth in the NCAA Division II national championships May 26-28 in Abilene, Texas.

Other provisional qualifiers were Eric Price in the men's shot put (50-3, first), Calista Shoaff in the women's javelin (138-0, first) and Dave Pavone in the men's javelin (199-0, fourth).

Other champions at the invitational included: Tony Carr in the men's javelin (203-10), Gerald Christian (men's 440, 51.2 seconds); Allison Gardner (women's 400, 1:00.44); Preston Gibbs (men's triple jump, 46-2); Katie Jones (women's pole vault, 11-1); Kristen Jones (women's 100, 12.3); Mark Morelli (men's 3,000 steeplechase, 10:06.6); Butler's Jill Rekich (women's 400 hurdles, 1:07.8) and Nate Shadeck (men's 400 hurdles (57.1).

Two Rock relay squads also were crowned champions, the women's 400 relay team of Rekich, Gardner, Emily Bush and Kristen Jones (48.99) and the men's 1,600 relay of Andrew Notareschi (Butler), Christian, Shadeck and Andy Tessena (3:28.5).

Another Butler High grad, Joe Lachendro, was fourth in the 110 hurdles (16.17).

Erika Brunner tallied nine goals, four assists and seven steals in three games last weekend to lead SRU to a sixth-place finish in the Collegiate Water Polo Association's Western Division Championship at Grove City.The Rock (14-20) lost to Gannon 8-7, defeated Penn State-Behrend 13-7, then fell to Mercyhurst 10-9.Beth Choike had six goals, Rachelle Stice had three goals, three assists and eight steals, Amie Marshall had three goals and Amanda Zychowski (A-C Valley) had two goals, four assists and seven steals.

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