TRACK GETS STARTED IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Grace’s track and field team had a memorable opening day at the 2020 NAIA Indoor National Championships.

The Lancers set two school records at the national meet on Thursday and had three relays compete.

The men’s 4×800-meter relay impressed during the preliminary race, posting a school-record time of 7:47.34. The foursome of Isaac Beatty, Luke Smith, Brady Willard and Kyle Smith secured a spot in Friday’s national finals — the first Grace relay ever to run in an NAIA indoor final.

“The guys ran a fantastic race, and we are excited for them to make history on Friday,” said Grace head coach Jeff Raymond. “We are extremely proud of the confidence and determination they showed.”

The women’s 4×400 also set a school record in the prelims. Suzanne Sickafoose, Ashley Stoltzfus, Nordia Campbell and Lyne Camara crossed the finish line in 3:50.78 to qualify for Saturday’s championship race.

“This was another impressive race by this group. Each lady ran her season-best relay leg, and now they get to compete in the national finals,” Raymond added.

The men’s distance relay placed 12th in the preliminary race. Logan Rufenacht, Dylan Felger, Willard and Korry Hamlin recorded a time of 10:30.23.

Grace will have 10 entries on Friday, including the 4×800 men’s final.

“This was obviously a great first day at the national championships, probably one of the best days in program history,” Raymond concluded. “We have much more ahead tomorrow, and we want to keep this momentum going.”

GRACE GETS BEST OF GEORGETOWN

Grace’s men’s tennis team improved to 2-1 during its Kentucky trip after a 4-2 win over Georgetown on Thursday.

The Lancers (16-5) rallied from an early deficit after dropping the doubles’ point.

Max Rozas and Fabricio Galvan were victorious at No. 2 doubles (6-4), but the Tigers won the other two courts to take the doubles’ point.

Grace made up the deficit with a gritty performance in singles. Mauricio Corty cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 5 singles, Galvan won 6-4, 6-3 at No. 3, and Francisco Margaria earned a 6-3, 6-4 victory at No. 6.

Ramiro Candia secured the win at No. 4 singles. After losing the first set, Candia rallied with a 6-3, 10-7 scoreline over the next two sets.

The Lancers will play on Friday and Saturday, their fourth and fifth straight matches in a five-day span. Grace will aim for an upset at No. 14 Union on Friday and No. 13 Cumberlands on Saturday.