RALEIGH, N.C.— UMass Lowell track and field runners senior Benjamin Drezek (Cumberland, R.I.) and junior Izzy Giesing (Bradford, Vt.) closed out competition for the River Hawks on Saturday, racing in the final day of the 2021 Raleigh Relays hosted by NC State.
 
"Overall, a successful trip to the Raleigh Relays. Kaley punched her ticket to the NCAA Regional meet, and Ben and Chris put themselves on the bubble of the NCAA regional meet," said Head Coach Gary Gardner after the meet. "Of course, Izzy just had some bad luck with the trip, but it sets all four of them up for a successful spring."
 
Giesing opened up the day for the River Hawks, competing in the women's 800m race. In a field of 74, the middle-distance runner clocked in at 2:12.70 to finish 39th overall.
 
"Izzy is in fantastic fitness, so we expected things to go very well. Unfortunately, someone caught her foot 250 meters into the race, and she took a tumble to the track cutting open her knees, shoulder and arm," commented Gardner. "Izzy still jumped back up to race the last 650 meters and finished with a 2:12 time, which, under the circumstances, was outstanding."
 
On the men's side, Drezek took on the 3,000m steeplechase, finishing the long-distance obstacle race in 9:02.89 for 12th place.
 
"Ben ran very well for a 2000m of personal-best pace for the steeplechase. Just got a little fatigued the last 1000m, which is expected in your first track race in 13 months," remarked Gardner. "He ran hard all the way through the line. I'm very pleased with the effort." 
 
The River Hawks return to the track next weekend, April 2-3, competing against William & Mary and in-state rival Massachusetts.