FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Defending National Champion Posts Second-Fastest Time in NCAA Division II History
MANSFIELD, Mass. – After exploding onto the 2017 track scene with a record-breaking performance in the 400-meter dash in her senior-campaign debut, senior Carly Muscaro of the Merrimack track & field team has been named U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Athlete of the Week.
Muscaro was also selected as the Northeast-10 Conference Track Athlete of the Week earlier this week.
Following a junior campaign that saw her bring home two national titles, Muscaro picked up right where she left off in her 2017 debut at the John Thomas Terrier Invite at Boston University.
She improved her New England Intercollegiate record in the 400m to 52.27, which ranks as the second-best time in the history of Division II, falling just 0.05 seconds short of the all-time record. It is the third-best performance in the NCAA this season, including all of Division I.
Muscaro would also be joined by fellow senior captain Olivia Downey as well as sophomores Mariessa Ricciardi and Michaela Pernell to post the fourth-best time this season in the 4x400m relay at 3:47.62. The foursome would garner NE10 Relay Team of the Week for their performance
This award marks the fifth time Muscaro has garnered National Athlete of the Week honors from the USTFCCCA after earning the award three times during the 2016-16 seasons and once as a sophomore.
Information for this release provided by the Merrimack athletics communications staff
ABOUT THE NE10
The NE10 is an association of 15 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 student-athletes compete in conference championships, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.
