Guinn Wins Open 800 Meter as Lions Cap Season at Steve Scott Invitational

IRVINE, Calif. — Competing across two days at the Steve Scott Invitational hosted by UC Irvine, the Lions closed out their spring season on the track with a series of strong performances highlighted by junior Rylee Guinn's victory in the open 800 meters.

After opening the weekend in the invitational section of the 1500 meters, Guinn returned to the track on day two to claim the open 800-meter title in a personal-best 2:16.78. The performance moved Guinn to No. 10 on LMU's All-Time list in the event and cemented another strong weekend for the junior after an already impressive outdoor campaign.

"Rylee's kick in the 800 was awesome," Head Coach Chloe Curtis said. "She tracked down two competitors in the last fifty meters and won with a lean. That's a great way to kick off the meet for your team."

Also headlining the weekend was senior Samantha Duwe, who delivered another personal best of 18:39.79 in the 5000 meters in what marked the final 5k race of her collegiate career. Duwe later doubled back on the second day of competition to run 5:00.31 in the 1500 meters. Senior Katie Power also added a personal best in the 800 meters, running 2:21.70 to continue the Lions' momentum.

Several other Lions also competed across both days of the meet. Junior Ava Boyd opened the weekend with another personal best in the 5000 meters, running 17:34.29 before returning the following day to make an impressive 1500-meter debut in 4:42.31. The performance made Boyd, primarily known as one of the team's top long-distance runners, the third-fastest 1500-meter runner on the roster this season.

"We had so many great doubles this weekend, and seeing all of our 5k athletes come back the day after running PRs to hit the track again for a fast 1500 was super fun," said Curtis. "I love the way they competed."

Freshman Collette Heil also doubled back across the two days, clocking 18:58.10 in the 5000 meters before returning to run 5:13.94 in the 1500.

Freshman Kailey O'Brien continued her outdoor season by contesting another steeplechase and her first 1500 meters, running 11:52.98 and 5:04.43, respectively. Sophomore Alexandra Zanon also doubled back, posting a personal best of 18:48.12 in the 5000 meters before returning to run 5:05.85 in the 1500.

Elsewhere, sophomore Emma Ronan ran 2:20.47 in the invitational 800 meters, while junior Ruby Tiburcio clocked a new PR of 4:53.03 in the invitational section of the 1500. Junior Tessa Kline narrowly missed her personal best in the invitational 1500, finishing in 4:50.63.

Sophomore Anna Bridges competed in both the 800 and 1500 meters, running 2:25.04 and 5:03.66, while freshman Kelsey Calhoun rounded out the weekend for the Lions with a 2:40.88 performance in the 800 meters. And senior Hayden Washington concluded her decorated collegiate career with a season-best 17:31.31 in the invitational 5000 meters.

"All of our seniors ran great this weekend. Hayden put together a smart, gritty race for a big season's best," said Curtis.

The Lions now earn a well-deserved break after a healthy outdoor season marked by personal records, breakthroughs, and steady progress across the roster before turning their attention toward summer training and the upcoming cross country season.

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