May 18, 2008

CLEMSON S.C. - The Kennesaw state women's track & field team concluded their season on Saturday with a seventh place finish at the Atlantic Sun Outdoor Conference Championship. Reigning champions, Jacksonville University successful defended their title as they scored 170 points to put themselves well ahead of second place Belmont and the rest of the field. The Owls, suffering from a short roster of competitors scored 45 points, but were able to turn in several personal best performances and All-Conference finishes.

Highlighting the KSU's second day of competition was 800m specialist Soibhan Wolcott. In attempt to defend her 800m crown from last season, Wolcott squared off against JU's Janel Grooms. The two runners quickly set themselves apart from the rest of the pack as they sped around the track. Ultimately Grooms edged out Wolcott as the sophomore crossed the finish line in 2:15.53.

"Soibhan ran a solid race," said mid-distance coach Alex Jo. "She trained hard all season, but just couldn't catch Grooms in the final 100m. She is a strong runner and I know she will continue to improve and next season she may take back the gold."

Also on the track the Owls scored points as Katie Charles placed fifth in the 3k steeplechase. She was facing a very fast field of competitors, but Charles was able to break into scoring positions as she easily avoided Clemson's water pit. Also in distance events, Britany Reilly tacked on additional points with a fifth place finish in the 5k (18:18.32). The sophomore was able to recover from her strong performance in the 10k the day before as she cracked into Belmont's and North Florida's line up of runners.

In hurdling events, the Owls were led by Lakeshia Stinson as she set a personal record in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.57. Later she returned to the track to post a time of 1:06.14 in the 400m hurdles as she finished in fifth place. Also in short distance events the team of Stinson, Shantela Davis, Jill Arthur and Sandi Brown earned sixth place in the 4x100m relay with a time of 48.18 seconds.

"These were some huge PRs by Lakeshia," said sprint coach Devin West. "She put everything on the line to make those times. I know by next season she could be scoring some serious points for us in the hurdles."

On the field, KSU scored points on the strength of its throwers as Ana Ruiz placed fourth in the discus with a toss of 118-07.0ft. Meanwhile, Jakia Ragland grabbed a Third Team All-Conference selection as she posted a height 5-05.0ft in the high jump.

"Our ladies had a strong season and a good conference," said head Don McGarey. "We were just plagued by injuries. Still, competitors like Lakeshia, Jakia and Britany stood out today. We are already working hard on recruiting fresh talent that will help these women make a run on the title next season."

Team Results
1. Jacksonville 170
2. Belmont 120
3. North Florida 103.5
4. Gardner-Webb 90
5. ETSU 61
6. Campbell 45.50
7. KSU 45
8. Lipscomb 15

All-Conference Sections

Second Team
Soibhan Wolcott - 800m Dash

Third Team
Jessica Lumpkin - Hammer Throw
Jakia Ragland - High Jump
Britany Reilly - 5k

Individual Results

Discus
4. Ana Ruiz 118-07.0ft
9. Jessica Lumpkin 101-09.0ft

3k Steeplechase
5. Katie Charles 12:51.40

4x100m Relay
6. KSU 48.18

100m Hurdles
6. Lakeshia Stinson 14.57
9. Jill Arthur 15.59

400m Dash
10. Sandi Brown 1:01.50
12. Lindsay Whalen 1:20.08

Shot Put
8. Ana Ruiz 35-09.50ft
9. Jessica Lumpkin 35.-05.0ft

High Jump
3. Jakia Ragland

800m Dash
2. Soibhan Wolcott 2:15.53
9. Caitlin German 2:23.40

400m Hurdles
5. Lakeshia Stinson 1:06.14

5k
5. Britany Reilly 18:18.52