Kearney, Neb. – Senior Morgan Benesch won her second steeplechase title to lead Nebraska-Kearney on the last day of the 2017 MIAA Outdoor Championships Sunday evening in Bolivar, Mo.

The three-day event was hosted by Southwest Baptist and began Friday afternoon.

In the men's team race, the Lopers tallied 44 points to place eighth out of 11. Both Lincoln and Central Missouri tallied 135 points to tie for first with Missouri Southern State (126) and Pittsburg State (105) right behind. LU won the 4x4 relay with UCM placing third, causing the rare tie for the top spot.

On the women's side, Pitt State (212) easily outdistanced MSSU (95) to win a 12-team race. UNK tallied 30 points to come in 11th, just behind Central Oklahoma (31) and Lindenwood (39). 

Benesch (Columbus Scotus) was the 2015 champ in the steeple and dominated the event today, winning by 28 seconds. Her 10:34.95 is eight seconds lower than her own school record, set in early April, and moves her up to 18th on the national list. Finally, the time was a new MIAA meet record. 

On Saturday, junior Jacob Bartling (Elm Creek) was second in the discus, the top finish by a Loper man this weekend.

Also today, Nelson junior Holly Bower was fifth in the hammer thanks to a career-best toss of 164-1. The effort ranks ninth in school history. UNK's other points came from South Dakota senior Kelsey Fitzgerald in the high jump (5th/5-5.75), Auburn junior Melissa Davison in the 800 finals (6th/2:18.63) and the 4x1 relay team finishing eighth (48.37). That foursome featured Crofton senior Dani Riesberg and McCook junior Danica Liess.

The Lopers easily could've scored some more points as they had five ninth place efforts on Sunday. They included the 4x4 relay team (3:57.12) and Kearney freshman Macie Wicht in the triple jump (37-3).

On the men's side, UNK saw Rushville senior Cole Wellnitz (3rd/3:50.01) and Lincoln freshman Nathan Pierce (8th/3:56.71) score in the 1,500 with Lincoln junior Mandera Gatwech running a career-low 48.10 to finish sixth in the 400 finals. That time moves him up to sixth in Loper lore as well.

Gatewech also ran the second leg for the sixth place 4x1 relay team (41.64) with Kearney senior Garrett Arnold fifth in the 110 hurdle finals (14.94). Finally, Ord sophomore Andrew Fields (3rd/9:21.14) and Deweese freshman Corbin Hansen (7th/9:26.50) combined for six points in the steeple.

In the field, Grand Island junior Colton Stuhr leaped 47-0.25 to rank fourth in the triple jump with McCook sophomore Darius Williams (43-3.75) five spots back. Finally, Deweese freshman Trace Gordanier tied for seventh in the high jump (6-4.25).

Those Lopers that have a chance at making the NCAA's later this month will complete in three "Last Chance" meets next weekend.