JACKSONVILLE – Two members of the UCF track and field team punched their tickets to the NCAA Championship on Saturday at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville.
"I think it was a good weekend," UCF head coach Dana Boone said. "Obviously we fell short a few places, but we got two people to the final championships, so that's progress for the program. It's still always good when they leave with close to their personal bests. The kids were ready to compete. That's what you want to see - you want to come to this level and get that experience. It was good to see the team compete."
Asherah Collins stood up, looked back at the white flag and started clapping as she exited the sand. She had saved her best for last in the triple jump, as her final attempt of the day landed her at 43-1.5/13.14m. Breaking her own freshman record in the event, the Lake City, Fla, punched her ticket to the NCAA Championship in Eugene, Ore.
Collins is just the second Knight triple jumper to advance to the NCAA Championships and the first to qualify since Dione Thomas in 2009.
The outstanding outdoor season continues for Rayniah Jones as she qualified for national meet in the 100-meter hurdles. She finished fifth overall with a 12.89 to advance to the semifinals in Eugene. The Miami native is the first Knight since Jackie Coward in 2012 to advance to the NCAA Championships in the 100-meter hurdles.
Just minutes after qualifying for Oregon in the hurdles, Jones turned around to race in the 100-meter dash. She finished 22nd overall with a time of 11.48.
Kiara Lee closed out her first outdoor campaign in the triple jump with a mark of 41-8.5/12.71m for 23rd place. The 4x4 relay squad of Selena Wright, Samieryah Bradwell, Kai'lyn Kirkland and Latasha Smith closed out the weekend with 19th place finish. The squad posted a final time of 3:39.67.
The women's events at the 2021 NCAA Outdoor Championships begin June 10 in Hayward Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
UCF Results
Triple Jump
11. Asherah Collins 43-1.5/13.14m Q
23. Kiara Lee 41-8.5/12.71m
100H
5. Rayniah Jones 12.89 Q
100m
22. Rayniah Jones 11.48
4x4 Relay
19. Wright, Bradwell, Kirkland, Smith 3:39.67
