Texas A&M’s participation at the Pepsi Invitational brought out the best in Oregon sophomore Amber Purvis on Saturday.
Purvis beat Porscha Lucas in the 100 meters, winning in 10.38. She came back later and won the 200 in 23.00. (Both times were wind-aided).
For an Oregon woman to win the sprints in a meet that includes Texas A&M was about as surprising as the Aggies’ Kevin Burnett beating all of the Ducks entered in the men’s 5,000.
“We stuck it in Oregon’s ear on that 5,000,” joked Texas A&M coach Pat Henry.
Texas A&M’s women were trailing Oregon’s women with 150 meters left in the 4×100 relay as well. But Gabby Mayo pulled it out on the anchor leg and beat Jamesha Youngblood on the homestretch. The Aggies broke the meet record in 43.89 seconds and Oregon broke its school record, running 44.13.
“It was important to show them that we have sprinters and we’re ready for them any time,” Purvis said.
There was no upset in the 400. Jessica Beard was at a higher level than her competition, powering through her race in 51.64 seconds. She reached the 200-meter mark in 24 seconds. Oregon’s All-American, Keshia Baker, was two seconds back at the finish.
“Last year it was ‘Who’s gonna win, us or Oregon?’” Beard said. “They just won indoor nationals and now we’re trying to defend our title. I know (Oregon) is going to be one of the top teams to contend against us.”
The meet was scored in a format drastically different than the NCAA meet, and both teams held several stars out. As it was, Oregon swept the team titles. The women scored 212 points to A&M’s 179.5, while Missouri (141) and Washington (122.5) were third and fourth.
Oregon’s men scored 186, A&M was next with 151, followed by Washington (132), Illinois (109) and Missouri (103).
