Rotti 3rd in Triple Jump, Neilon Makes 800 Final at NCAA Track & Field Meet

BIRMINGHAM, AL (March 10, 2023) – Tufts University senior Lia Rotti finished third in the long jump on the first day of the 2023 NCAA Division III Women's Indoor Track & Field Championships Friday.

Competing at the Birmingham CrossPlex, Rotti had a best mark of 5.70m (18'8 ½") in her second attempt during the flights. She entered the nine-woman final with the third-best mark from the flights. Unable to improve upon that distance, she still remained in the third position throughout the final.

Rotti's third-place finish is an All-American effort (top eight), the fourth of her career. It's her first-ever long jump All-American honor, and the third-place finish is the second-best of her NCAA career. She won the indoor triple jump national title last year.

Also on Friday, Jumbo fifth-year Hannah Neilon won her heat in the 800 meters to qualify for Saturday's final. Her time of 2:11.97 was fifth overall in the 800 heats today and is her personal-best. Reaching the final automatically earns an All-American award for Neilon.

Running in the first heat on the banked track at the facility, Neilon was leading the group of seven through 200 meters (29.60) and 400 meters (1:03.48). She dropped back to a close third through 600 meters (1:38.46), but powered her way over the final 200 in 33.51 seconds to win the race. Second-place Hope Murphy from Baldwin Wallace posted a 2:12.28 time. The top two in each of the three heats and the next two fastest times advanced to the final.

Rotti's finish scored six team points for the Jumbos on Friday. With six of 17 events scored after one day of the meet, Tufts is tied for 13th place as a team.

Sophomore Jordan Andrew was entered in the long jump as well and placed 12th today with her best attempt of 5.48m (17'11 ¾"). Sophomore Sarah Firth tied for 14th place in the pole vault today, clearing 3.60m (11'9 ¾") before she was eliminated.

On Saturday, Rotti will be in the triple jump field starting at noon and Neilon will run in the 800 final at 5 pm. Additionally, senior Jaidyn Appel will defend her indoor high jump national championship at the NCAA meet on Saturday at 1:30 pm.