CLEMSON, S.C. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF track and field team continued the strong start to its indoor campaign at the Bob Pollock Invitational in the Clemson University Indoor Complex on Friday.
“Once again, we are making small improvements, which is important,” UCF head coach Dana Boone said. “We continue to make finals, which helps us get better. I’m pleased at the way the team is competing and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Returning to Clemson for the second straight weekend, UCF used its familiarity with the facility to its advantage. The Knights posted six personal bests on the opening day of the meet and posted 11 top 10 finishes across seven events.
Nelda Huggins improved her 60-meter dash mark in the prelims, clocking a 7.40 time that sent her on to the finals. Huggins once again lowered her mark in the finals, posting the fastest time by a Knight this season and the second fastest time among American Athletic Conference competitors to finish fifth in 7.35.
Jayda Drake-Howard opened the meet with a personal-best performance in the 60-meter hurdles, finishing ninth in 8.77.
Devin D’Oliveira and Daneesha Davidson gave the Knights a pair of top 10 finishes in the long jump. Both improved their marks in the long jump, with D’Oliveira taking fifth (18-1.5/5.52m) and Davidson earning eighth (17-7.5/5.37m).
One week after throwing her personal best in the shot put, Shanell Atkins lined up and improved the mark again. Her fifth toss of the afternoon landed at 48-4.5/14.74m, giving her fourth in the event.
The Knights continue action at the Bob Pollock Invitational on Saturday. UCF’s field events will begin at 11:30 a.m., while the Knights will open track action at 12:15 p.m.
Friday Results
60m Hurdles – Prelims
9. Jayda Drake-Howard 8.77
Long Jump
5. Devin D’Oliveira 5.52m/18-1.5
8. Daneesha Davidson 5.37m/17-7.5
Mile
15. Victoria Jung 5:01.01
60M – Prelims
6. Nelda Huggins 7.40q
9. Shian Hyde 7.48
10. Shaniya Williams 7.53
12. Imani Clark 7.55
15. Sarah Wollaston 7.68
400M
14. Samieryah Bradwell 58.50
16. Loren Gallmon 58.97
60M – Final
5. Nelda Huggins 7.35
Shot Put
4. Shanell Atkins 14.74m/48-4.5
6. Jhane’ Carter 14.33m/47-0.25
8. Soteria Russell 13.51m/44-4
10. Courtney Morgan 12.47m/40-11
12. Gabby Durant 11.30m/37-1
Distance Medley Relay
3. UCF (Crook/Drake-Howard/Pinnell/Soltis) 12:11.71