EUGENE, Ore. — In his final message to the Oregon women's track and field team, on the eve of their attempt to repeat as NCAA Outdoor champions, UO head coach Robert Johnson laid out his key to victory.
The Ducks would need a fast start, Johnson told his team Saturday night. That message was received loud and clear.
Oregon's day Saturday began with a second-place finish in the 4x100-meter relay, with senior Ariana Washington edging USC's anchor at the line for an extra two points in the team race. Then, in the next race on the track, sophomore Jessica Hull waited patiently to make her move in the 1,500, finally kicking to the front over the final 200 to win in 4:08.