March 21, 2008
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - UCF distance runners Shannon Kelly (Tampa, Fla.) and Allison Palmer (Oviedo, Fla.) each notched personal-best times in the 5,000-meter run as the Knights opened their 2008 outdoor season on a high note Friday at the Hurricane Invitational. The two-day event is being hosted by the University of Miami at the Cobb Track and Field Facility.
Palmer finished fourth in the 5,000-meter run in a time of 18:43.37, besting her previous PR of 18:52.16 in the event, while Kelly was eighth in a time of 19:09.37.
"We were excited to open up our outdoor season today," UCF head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert said "We are using this meet as a practice to work on the different outdoor events that we are competing in for the first time this season. We are looking to gain good experience this weekend and come out of this meet injury-free."
Senior thrower Virginia Traynor (Miami, Fla.) finished 10th in the hammer throw with a toss of 134-1, while sophomore Ashley Kirkpatrick (Lake Mary, Fla.) was 11th with a mark of 130-8.
"This was our first meet throwing the hammer this season and we did a good job of executing some of the technical aspects of the throw," said John Ridgway, assistant coach for throws. "These techniques will help us continue to improve and throw far as we get deeper into the season."
Junior Sheree Carter (Tallahassee, Fla.) was 11th in the high jump with a leap of 4-11.50.
The two-day Hurricane Invitational concludes on Saturday with events beginning at 11 a.m.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
UCF Results - Hurricane Invitational Day 1 (Friday, March 21, 2008 - Coral Gables, Fla.)
Hammer Throw (RQS: 54.15m (177-8)
10. Virginia Traynor - 134-1
11. Ashley Kirkpatrick - 130-8
High Jump (RQS: 1.75m (5-8 3/4)
11. Sheree Carter - 4-11.50
5,000-Meter Run (RQS: 16:52.00)
4. Allison Palmer - 18:43.37
8. Shannon Kelly - 19:09.37