Wisconsin Badgers
Fighting Illini Challenge and Combined Events
Pair of Badgers earn top-10 marks on Saturday
January 24, 2026 | Women's Track & Field
Aizpurua and Sanchious cracks top ten as Badgers roll through Philly and Champaign
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Wisconsin women's track and field team delivered an impressive weekend, turning in strong performances at the Fighting Illini Challenge and the Penn Elite.
In Champaign at the Fighting Illini Challenge, the throwers led the way. Taylor Kesner claimed the top spot for the Badgers and finished fourth overall with a season- best throw of 69-09.5(21.54m). That mark ranks No.14 in the NCAA this year. Danni Langseth followed with a sixth-place finish, throwing 62-03.75 (18.99m).
Danni Langseth and Zonica Lindeque competed in the shot put, securing a 3-4 finish for Wisconsin. Langseth placed with a throw of 51-11.25 (15.83), while Lindeque took fourth at 50-09.50 (15.48m).
In Philadelphia, Luciana Aizpurua and Catalina Sanchious both raced their way into the Badgers' all‑time top‑10 list. Aizpurua opened with a 7.56 seconds in the 60‑meter prelims to qualify for the final, a mark that now stands seventh in program history. She returned in the final to run 7.60 and finish ninth overall. Sanchious wasn't far behind, clocking a 7.57 in the prelims to move into ninth on the Badgers' all‑time list.
Three Badgers ran the 200 meters, Sydney Robinson led the Badgers with a season-best 24.83, placing 13th. Catalina Sanchious clocked her own seasonal best of 25.16 to finish 17th.
Wisconsin dominated the two 3000 meter races. In the elite section, Leane Willemse crushed the 3K in 9 minutes, 11.12 seconds with Kylie Finger close behind in 9:12.30, a personal best. Miakela Helling added another PR at 9:28.6 and Bella Jacobsen completed the Badgers strong showing with a 9:30.43 finish. In opening 3000-meter race, Sara Mlodik secured a runner-up finish in 9:34.98.
Elissa Perkins delivered a strong day in the field events at the Penn Elite. She placed fifth in the long jump with an 18‑10 1/2 (5.75m) mark and later secured third in the triple jump, soaring 40‑4 1/4 (12.30m).
Fighting Illini Challenge and Combined Events
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2025
Champaign, Illinois
Shot put:
3. Danni Langseth - 51-11.25 (15.83m)
4. Zonica Lindeque - 50-09.50 (15.48)
Weight Throw:
4. Taylor Kesner - 69-09.5 (21.54m)
6. Danni Langseth - 62-03.75 (18.99m)
7. Nora Skoraczewski - 61-02.75 (18.66m)
8. Morgan Flaska - 57-09 (17.6m)
Penn Elite
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2025
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
60 Meter Prelims:
8. Luciana Aizpurua - 7.56 q (PR)
9. Catalina Sanchious - 7.57 (SB)
14. Rachel Robinson - 7.69
16. Sydney Robinson - 7.77
60 Meter Finals:
9. Luciana Aizpurua - 7.60
200 Meters:
13. Sydney Robinson - 24.83
17. Catalina Sanchious - 25.16
24. Luciana Aizpurua - 25.50
3000 Meters Elite:
2. Leane Willemese - 9:11.12
3. Kylie Finger - 9:12.30
10. Mikaela Helling - 9:29.6
11. Bella Jacobsen- 9:30.43
3000 Meters:
2. Sara Mlodik - 9:34.98
4. Zaira Malloy Salgado - 9:39.71
9. Myra Stray - 9:56.47
Long Jump:
5. Elissa Perkins - 18-10 1/2 (5.75m)
Triple Jump:
3. Elissa Perkins - 40-4 1/4 (12.3m)
Players Mentioned
