Neuenswander takes fourth in pole vault

DES MOINES, Iowa - Indiana's Vera Neuenswander wrapped up her collegiate career by finishing fourth Friday in the pole vault at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Neuenswander (Jefferson City High School) cleared 14-11⁄4 to add a fourth-place finish to join a second-place finish in 2009, at the same height, and a 12th-place finish in 2007.

On Friday, Neuenswander passed on the first two heights, 12-91⁄2 and 131⁄2, before clearing 13-51⁄4 on her first attempt.

She then missed her first two tries at 13-91⁄4 before making the height on her final attempt.

There was little drama at the next height, as Neuenswander cleared 141⁄4 on her first vault.

She was then eliminated after missing all three tries at 14-31⁄4.

Oregon's Melissa Gergel was the national champion in the event. Both Gergel and Arkansas' Tina Sutej cleared 14-71⁄4, with Gergel taking the title on fewer attempts. Stanford's Katerina Stefanidi was third, finishing at 14-51⁄4.

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