JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It was an eventful conclusion to the UCF track and field regular season as the Knights saw multiple headlining performances. At the forefront of them, was Rayniah Jones, who broke her 100-meter hurdles personal and program record for the first time in nearly two years as the All-American ran an 11.63 to take second in the event, just behind 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Jasmine Quinn. The brilliant outing concludes an incredible week for Jones as on Tuesday, she took home two Swords Awards, including the Female Athlete of the Year honor. The performance was an encapsulation of the brilliant day the Knights had to close out the regular season at the East Coast Relays at the University of North Florida.
"This is the type of meet you want to have to close out the season. We saw yet another school record set, along with multiple personal and season bests," said head coach Dana Boone following the meet. "This helps up prepare and build confidence going into the postseason as now, we will now regroup and get ready for the conference meet in two weeks.
Distance got running events started with yet another solid performance as the squad has truly started to find its stride heading into the postseason. Lillian Holtery secured a personal best in the 800-meter run with her 2:11.14 outing, trailing only Katie Pinnell in 12th with her time of 2:09.37.
The throws squad was led by yet another Adrienne Adams first-place finish in the discus as the senior led the field with her 55.80m (183-01) throw. Adams still remains among the best in the nation in the event.
The meet was wrapped up with an immense performance from five Knights in the 100-meter dash. Jones continued her career day with another personal best as she led the way with her time of 11.17. Beyoncé Defreitas ran a strong 11.23 to take fifth, while Daija Lampkin, Kaylor Harris and Ani Wells went 11th, 12th, and 13th, all setting new personal bests. Lampkin is now sixth in program history in the event with her time of 11.34. Harris and Wells both ran an 11.38 as the duo is now tied for ninth in the all-time charts. It was a windy day in Jacksonville as both times from Rayniah were over the 2.0 so they will not count towards the USTFCCCA National Rankings.
UCF will enter the postseason on the backs of one of the best regular season campaigns in program history. The Black and Gold will make the short trip west for the American Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships at the University of South Florida from May 12-14. Coach Boone and her squad will try to sweep the AAC Championships yet again in their last time competing at the conference level.
JAVELIN THROW
12. Holly Cassels (30.97m/101-7)
16. Natalia Madison (24.65m/80-10)
800M RUN
12. Katie Pinnell (2:09.37)
15. Lillian Holtery (2:11.14)*
30. Isabella Richardson (2:17.41)
32. Paige Kelly (2:17.72)*
100M HURDLES
2. Rayniah Jones (12.63)*
10. Kaylor Harris (13.26)
26. Tamia Badal (14.24)
35. Holly Cassels (14.85)
400M DASH
14. Kai'lyn Kirkland (54.98)
HIGH JUMP
5. Natalia Madison (1.66m/5-5.25)
8. Kaliah Jones (1.66m/5-5.25)
DISCUS THROW
1. Adrienne Adams (55.80m/183-01)
10. Nicole Whitaker (40.46m/132-09)
100M DASH
4. Rayniah Jones (11.17)
5. Beyoncé Defreitas (11.23)
11. Daija Lampkin (11.34)
12. Ani Wells (11.38)
13. Kaylor Harris (11.38)