By Layne Weitzel, TTU Sports Information
NASHVILLE – Friday proved to be short but eventful for Tennessee Tech track & field on the opening day of Vanderbilt's Commodore Invitational. Tech, which appeared in just four events (two track and two field) in the day's late start, made some noise in all of them.
In just her third meet at Tech, Khemani Roberts placed sixth in the long jump with a school-record mark of 5.50m. The previous program-best mark of 5.33m was set by teammate Sharnique Leonce at the Samford Open last February.
Also in her third meet (of her first indoor track season), freshman Purity Sanga took first in the 5000 meters by over 10 seconds, timing 17:29.53.
Tech also landed two in the top 10 of the 200m dash, with D'Airrien Jackson placing fifth (and winning her heat) at 24.90 and Ceirra Tate following in eighth place with a time of 25.16.
"Khemani had a great day in the long jump," said head coach Wayne Angel. "She continues to improve every meet, and breaking the school record in the long jump was the icing on the cake. Purity did a great job tonight. She won her first collegiate race in a convincing fashion, lapping the field at will.
"Our sprinters looked good this afternoon in the 200 meters. It appears that they are all feeling better now."
Tech resumes the two-day meet on Saturday morning.