Distance runner Dominique Scott leads Arkansas to NCAA women’s outdoor title

EUGENE – Senior Dominique Scott won the 5,000 meters and led Arkansas to its first women’s outdoor team title Saturday in the NCAA track and field championships.

Scott separated from the pack by sprinting the final 500 meters to finish in 15 minutes, 57.07 seconds. She also won the 10,000 on Thursday.

Arkansas finished with 72 points. Oregon was second with 64, and Georgia third with 41.

Oregon, the defending champion, was hurt when sprinter Hannah Cunliffe was injured in her semifinal heat of the 100 on Thursday. But the Ducks challenged the Razorbacks on Saturday, taking the points lead before Scott’s 10K victory clinched it.

New Mexico’s Courtney Frerichs set a collegiate record in the steeplechase, while Georgia’s Keturah Orji hit a record mark in the triple jump at sunny Hayward Field.

Washington State junior Liz Harper finished 16th among the field of 24 in the heptathlon.

Harper scored 5,446 points to finish 779 points behind winner Kendell Williams of Georgia.

Harper had a slow start during the second day of competition, placing 21st in the long jump (17 feet, 9 1/2 inches) and 23rd in the javelin (105-9). She capped the event with a sixth-place finish in the 800, running 2:17.94.

Harper was also in the field for the high jump finals, but she was the only competitor among 24 to no-height. Kansas State senior Kimberly Williamson won at 6-2.

Washington senior Baylee Mires (Mead High) placed last among eight competitors in the women’s 800 final.

Mires finished in 2:03.92. Oregon sophomore Raevyn Rogers cruised to victory in 2:00.75.