Jan. 16, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Only five athletes were in competition due to a light schedule on day one of the Kentucky Invite, but the 2009 UCF track and field indoor season got off to a strong Friday night against a tough field in Lexington, Ky.
Four Knights competed in the weight throw, with junior LaKendra Thames winning her flight and taking home ninth place overall with a toss of 53-10.5/16.42m. The toss shattered her previous personal best by over three feet. Following Thames, junior Jessica Francis was 16th (48-8.25/14.84m), junior newcomer Kelsey Poljansek was 18th (47-6.50/14.49m) and junior Ashley Kirkpatrick claimed 31st (41-0.50/12.51m).
Senior Dione Thomas opened her final season of collegiate track by competing in the triple jump. With a leap of 39-8.75, Thomas claimed fourth place in the event, which was won by Sarah Nambawa of Middle Tennessee State.
A full compliment of UCF athletes, including 2008 NCAA Indoor All-American Lizzie Harris, will get their 2009 seasons underway tomorrow as day two will include numerous events.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to www.UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit www.UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.