By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
MOBILE, Ala. – A couple of personal bests and several finals appearances highlighted the 2021 outdoor season opener for the Tennessee Tech track and field program Friday evening at the USA Invitational.
Sophomore Lyn'Nikka Vance turned in the top performance of the day, placing second overall in the long jump finals. The Monee, Ill. native catapulted to a distance of 5.79 meters in her first taste of outdoor competition. Rookie Samaria Allen also earned points in the event for Tech, finishing with a final distance of 5.47 meters and in sixth place.
In the 400m finals, it was Ceirra Tate claiming the top result for the purple and gold. The senior veteran sprinted to a third-place finish in the event, claiming a time of 57.98.
Tieara Norman made her Tech debut in outdoor competition after transferring from Fresno State last year, placing fourth overall in the 400m hurdles. The senior turned in a PR performance of 1:06.05, less than half a second back of both second and third place.
Also completing the day with a PR was sophomore Bryana Brown. A native of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, she claimed the top spot in her finals section of the 200m with a time of 26.45. Overall, she finished 16th among over 40 participants, one spot back of teammate Teauna Anderson, who turned in a 26.36 for 15th overall and third in her flight.
Freshman Katie Long had a successful debut in the javelin, placing fourth on the day. The Boaz, Ala. native completed the event with a final distance of 36.91 meters. Rookie Kendall Medders scored points for the Golden Eagles in the high jump, clearing a height of 1.54 meters to tie for sixth place.
Joining Allen and Long in making their collegiate debuts on the day were fellow freshmen Jadae Joseph, competing in the long jump, Ashtin Holman, competing in the 100m, Ayanna Haywood, competing in the 400m, Trenia Stephens, competing in the 400m and Stahja Hayes, competing in the shotput.
Up Next
Following a nearly two-week hiatus, the Golden Eagles will return to action for Mississippi State's Al Schmidt Bulldog Relays taking place in Starkville, Miss. from Friday, Mar. 26 through Saturday, Mar. 27.
Photos by TTU Track & Field
