Gunnarsson, Pocratsky earn ACC Performers of the Week

Both earn the accolade for the first time in their careers

January 30, 2018

ACC Release

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Junior Rachel Pocratsky has been named ACC Women’s Track Performer of the Week and freshman Lisa Gunnarsson was tabbed ACC Women’s Field Performer of the Week, as announced by the league office Tuesday afternoon.

The duo took first place in their respected events this past weekend. It marks the first time either have garnered a weekly award from the conference.

Pocratsky, a native of Gaithersburg, Maryland, ran the sixth-fastest time in NCAA history at the Liberty Kickoff, tallying a time of 2 minutes, 41.98 seconds in the 1,000-meter run. That time also reset her school record in the event, as well as the facility record inside the Liberty Indoor Track Complex. Pocratsky’s time currently sits No. 1 in the country.

The pole vault transition to the college level has gone quite smoothly for Gunnarsson, as the freshman has won all three meets she has competed in. This past weekend she set the school record for the indoor season and facility record at the Clemson Indoor Track & Field Complex, vaulting a height of 4.46 meters (14 feet, 7.5 inches). The mark is No. 3 in the nation and first in the ACC.

Three others were selected by the ACC for the weekly awards, including Syracuse’s Justyn Knight (Men Track) and Florida State’s Shauna Helps (Co-Women Track) and Armani Wallace (Men Field).

The Hokies will be back at it this weekend, splitting up and going to three meets. The pole vault and jumps/multi-events groups will head north to Akron, the distance group will go to Wake Forest and the sprints/hurdles group will make the trek to Kentucky.

For updates on Virginia Tech track & field, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @HokiesTFXC