AKRON, OHIO – Pole vaulters representing Roberts Wesleyan University captured four of the top five places in the women's competition at the season-opening Haynes Lancaster Open at the University of Akron's Stile Athletics Field House on Friday.

Brynn King, a member of the 2024 U.S. Olympic team and the reigning NCAA Division II Indoor and Outdoor champion, led the way for Roberts with a first-place effort of 4.5 meters (14-feet, 9-inches).

Sophomore Melia Couchman finished second for Roberts with a personal best of 3.95 meters (12-11½). Alexandrea Robertson placed fourth for the Redhawks, clearing 3.8 meters (12-5½) in her college debut and fellow freshman Karis Kraf finished fifth (3.65, 11-11¾).

Roberts had two top-five finishes in the men's competition as sophomore Braden Shaw tied for third and freshman Austin Melvin placed fifth. Both Shaw and Melvin cleared 4.65 meters, but Shaw placed higher based on fewer misses. 

The Redhawks are coached be 2012 Olympic gold medalist Jenn Suhr, who is a 2004 Roberts graduate.