By Caden Smith, TTU Media Relations
LOUISVILLE, Ky.- Tennessee Tech Track & Field opened the OVC Indoor Championships with a strong slate of performances, highlighted by multiple personal records, finals qualifiers, and key points toward the team standings.
The Golden Eagles picked up valuable points in the women's long jump and high jump. Sidnee Stanton delivered a 4th‑place finish in the long jump with a 5.59m mark, securing 5 points for Tech. Angela Hoover added a personal record in the long jump, leaping 4.87m for her best collegiate performance. In the high jump, Ally Beneke cleared 1.66m to finish 4th and score 5 points, while Madison Johnson followed with a 1.61m clearance for 7th place and 2 points.
Tech's sprint group continued its upward trajectory with multiple standout efforts. Kennedi Winbush had a strong day, qualifying for the 60m final with a time of 7.61 for 6th place, then returning to post a 24.35 personal record in the 200m to finish 3rd and advance to the final. Hannah Little blasted a 56.04 PR in the 400m prelims, placing 2nd and earning a spot in the final. Aliyah Kennedy followed closely with a 57.68 in the 400m, finishing 3rd and qualifying for the final. Chase Wolfenbarger ran a season‑best 9.37 in the 60m hurdles.
Tech's 800m group delivered one of the strongest sessions of the day. Paris Bowles clocked 2:16.18 to finish 2nd in the prelims, advancing to the final. Grainne Moran followed with a 2:16.22 for 3rd, also securing her place in the championship race.
The Golden Eagles earned major scoring contributions in the women's 5000m. Makaleigh Jessee turned in a standout performance, running 17:52.85 to finish 2nd, earning a podium finish and 8 points for Tech. Jane Lokiles added a strong 4th‑place finish with a time of 17:55.87, contributing 5 more points to the team total.
Tech capped Day 1 with a strong showing in the Women's Distance Medley Relay. The Golden Eagles placed 5th with a time of 12:21.27, adding 4 points to the team's score.
NEXT UP
Tech returns to action for Day 2 of the OVC Indoor Championships tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 25.
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