Edwardsville girls track dominates O'Fallon meet

Tigers win 17-team event with 178.5 points, led by Sophie Shapiro's two individual titles

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:53pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting overlapping planes of runners, hurdlers, and field event athletes in motion, conveying the dynamic action of a track and field meet.Edwardsville's track and field dominance is reflected in a cubist, fragmented visual that captures the energy and movement of the competition.Belleville Today

The Edwardsville High School girls track and field team continued its strong start to the outdoor season, winning the 17-team O'Fallon Lady Panther Invitational with 178.5 points. The Tigers were led by double individual event winner Sophie Shapiro, who set a program record in the 100-meter hurdles, and got wins from Morgan Popelar in the 3,200-meter run and Jayla Gathing in the discus.

Why it matters

The Edwardsville girls track team has established itself as a dominant force in the region, winning its third straight meet to open the outdoor season. The team's depth and talent across multiple events makes them a favorite to contend for state championships this year.

The details

Edwardsville won seven individual events and two relays at the O'Fallon meet. Sophie Shapiro won the 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles, with teammate Adara Martin finishing third in both. Morgan Popelar won the 3,200-meter run, and Jayla Gathing took first in the discus. The Tigers also got wins in the 4x200-meter and 4x400-meter relays.

  • The O'Fallon Lady Panther Invitational took place on April 18, 2026.
  • Edwardsville has now won three straight meets to open the outdoor season.

The players

Sophie Shapiro

An All-American hurdler for Edwardsville High School who set a new program record in the 100-meter hurdles at the meet.

Adara Martin

An Edwardsville High School athlete who finished third in both the 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles.

Morgan Popelar

An Edwardsville High School distance runner who won the 3,200-meter run.

Jayla Gathing

An Edwardsville High School athlete who won the discus event.

Edwardsville High School

The dominant girls track and field program that won the 17-team O'Fallon Lady Panther Invitational with 178.5 points.

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What’s next

Edwardsville will look to continue its strong start to the season at upcoming meets as it aims to contend for state championships.

The takeaway

Edwardsville's girls track and field team has established itself as a regional powerhouse, winning its third straight meet to open the outdoor season with a dominant performance at the O'Fallon Lady Panther Invitational. The Tigers' depth and talent across multiple events make them a favorite to challenge for state titles this year.