NC’s Murphy wins girls triple jump with record

RICHLAND – Megan Murphy never tried the triple jump last year as a freshman.

She only attempted it this spring because North Central assistant coach Gabe Medrano encouraged her to do so.

Whether Murphy has the technical aspects of the event figured out yet doesn’t matter. She knows enough to realize it’s been more than beginner’s luck.

Murphy, who broke a Greater Spokane League and school record last month, broke the school mark again Saturday in the second day of the Eastern Regional.

She jumped 37 feet, 8 3/4 inches to finish ahead of Shadle Park’s Amanda Konynenbelt (37-1 1/2).

“Everything just came together,” Murphy said.

Murphy’s four jumps on the day gradually improved, beginning with 34-11 3/4 and peaking with the record.

“Coach Medrano knew what I needed to do to improve,” Murphy said. “I’ve really improved the third phase of my jump into the pit. I just need to keep improving and fix the things I need to fix.”

Murphy’s teammate, Katie Knight, was pushed more than she’s been pushed in weeks. She captured the 1,600 meters (4 minutes, 52.61 seconds) to go with her win the night before in the 3,200.

“It was a good race,” Knight said. “What I felt real good about was the 69-second final lap.”

Knight has a unique goal for state.

“I’d rather place fourth and get a personal best,” Knight said.

Tiara Pajimola of Shadle Park captured the 300 hurdles (45.60). It was a personal best by one-tenth of a second as she defended her regional title.

“I’d like to get into the 44s at state,” said Pajimola, who took sixth last year. “I’m happy to make it to state, but I’d like to break the school record more than anything.”

Kamiakin ran away from the 3A field with 172 points. Shadle was second (103) and Mt. Spokane third (66).

4A

It was a difficult day for Central Valley. More precisely, it was a disappointing day for CV’s 800 relay.

The top two seeded teams in the race, CV and Moses Lake, were disqualified after they finished first and second, respectively.

The games committee met for nearly an hour before deciding to disqualify both teams and denying separate appeals.

CV was ruled to have interfered with Richland on the final exchange. The Bears’ final runner apparently ran between Richland’s final two runners.

There was just one area winner. Gonzaga Prep sophomore Kayla Leland won the 400 in 58.17 as she trimmed .28 off her personal best.

“It was pretty hot, but I just pushed through,” Leland said. “I’ve worked really hard this year. It’ll be fun to see the competition (at state).”

Richland won the team title with 101 points. Mead was second (97 3/4), Wenatchee was third (80 1/2) and CV was fourth (72).