Baldwin, Bastia & Espinoza Claim Top-10 Finishes at NJCAA Track & Field Nationals

UTICA, N.Y. ---- Hansen Bastia (Brockton) and Lorenzo Espinoza (Stoughton) placed seventh and eighth in the triple jump and Kevin Baldwin claimed 10^th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase to round out Massasoit's first day at the NJCAA Division III Track & Field National Championship hosted by Mohawk Valley Community College.

Bastia's seventh place jump traveled 12.36 meters just a head of Espinoza's eight place leap of 12.23 meters. The jump for Bastia ranks third all-time in program history, while Espinoza's personal-best jump ranks fourth in the Warrior record books.

"We kicked off day 1 with some strong performances in the triple jump," head coach Matt Jordan said. "Hansen and Lorenzo both qualified for finals and ended up getting seventh and eighth helping secure our first points of the meet as a team."

Baldwin claimed 10^th in the daunting steeplechase in 10:47, just five seconds off his personal best. It marked Baldwin's second appearance in the event at the Nationals, and second top-10 finish.

"Kevin raced against a loaded field in the steeplechase and fought his way to 10^th," Jordan said. "The pack originally went out very conservative and several coaches urged their athletes to take the lead during the first few laps. Kevin finished only a few seconds off his best time and was almost 30 seconds faster than his previous time at Nationals, which shows how popular and competitive the event has become in our division."

Brandon Calley rounds out Massasoit's appearance at the 2018 Nationals, competing in the semifinals of the 400-meter hurdles on Friday at 6:15 PM. If Calley advances to the finals, he would race on Saturday at 2:35 PM.