Mustangs Conclude Hilltop Invitational with Strong Performances

MOUNT VERNON, Iowa — Mount Mercy University wrapped up the Hilltop Invitational with a standout performance in the women's 800 meters, led by freshman Skylar Palmgren, who clinched victory. The 4x200 relay team also shone, securing a second-place finish.

The women's team put on a strong showing, highlighted by Palmgren's top finish in the 800 meters with a time of 2:27.04, earning the Mustangs 10 points. Senior Brooklyn Johnson impressed with a fifth-place finish in the 400 meters, clocking in at 1:04.23 and adding five points to the team's total. The relay squad, featuring Kaylee Bunn, Gralynn Martin, Dayna Maiers, and Esther Oyunge, captured second in the 4x200 relay with a time of 1:57.11, contributing eight points.

In the field events, senior Carla Santos took fourth in the pole vault, clearing 3.15 meters to earn five points. Freshman Kylie Smither secured sixth in the shot put with a throw of 11.81 meters, adding three points. Sophomore Claire Geerts made her mark in both the shot put and weight throw events, finishing eighth with a distance of 11.17 meters and ninth at 13.25 meters, respectively. Danielle Dimmings chipped in with a point by placing eighth in the 60 hurdles finals, posting a time of 10.38.

This performance comes after Mount Mercy stepped into the Cyclone Open on Friday with determination, as individual athletes aimed to achieve personal bests in their events. Although team scores were not recorded, the event proved invaluable for the Mustangs, offering them a platform to gain experience and showcase their talents.

The Mustangs put on a strong display, with senior Carla Santos leading the charge by clinching first place in the women's pole vault, clearing 3.05 meters. Fellow senior Brooklyn Johnson also captured a top spot in the women's triple jump, reaching 10.59 meters despite several fouls. In the women's 3000 meters, junior Abby Knepper finished fourth with a time of 10:02.64, just ahead of senior Kalin Rotzoll, who took fifth at 10:38.54.

Freshman Skylar Palmgren turned in a commendable performance in the women's 400 meters, placing 11th with a time of 59.67 seconds. Junior Gift Gonpue showed versatility, securing 10th in the women's long jump with a 4.82-meter mark and competing in the 200 meters with a time of 27.64 seconds. Freshman Kylie Smither demonstrated her skills in the shot put and weight throw, earning eighth place in shot put with a throw of 11.52 meters and 12th in the weight throw at 13.00 meters.

Next up, the Mustangs will compete on Friday, January 30, 2026, in Waverly, Iowa.