ALBANY, Ga. — The Columbus State University Women's Track & Field team delivered a strong all-around performance to place third overall at the Annual Alice Coachman Invitational, hosted by Albany State University.
The Lady Cougars showcased depth across sprints, middle-distance events, relays, and field events, highlighted by multiple event victories and podium finishes.
A dominant showing led Columbus State in the throws from freshman Taliyah Schreane, who captured the hammer throw title with a mark of 46.08 meters to earn 10 team points. Schreane also added a third-place finish in the shot put (10.85m), contributing to a strong overall performance in the field events.
Dana McDaniel provided additional points in the hammer throw with a fourth-place finish (36.50m).
In the jumps, freshman Jayda Smith turned in a standout meet, placing third in the long jump (5.37m) while also contributing on the track.
Adaisha Upshaw added a sixth-place finish in the event (5.06m), and
Kaitlyn Alston recorded a fourth-place finish in the triple jump (10.57m).
The Lady Cougars also excelled in the pole vault, where freshman Taylor High claimed first place with a clearance of 2.66 meters, adding another 10 points to the team total.
On the track, Columbus State saw strong performances in both sprint and distance events.
Faith Brown led the sprint group with a third-place finish in the 200 meters (25.18) and a fifth-place finish in the 100 meters (12.13), while
Chassidy Lock added points in the 100 meters.
In the 400 meters, Jayda Smith continued her strong day with a third-place finish (59.88).
The middle-distance group delivered key scoring performances, led by Emmalee Johnson, who placed second in the 800 meters (2:25.60) and fourth in the 1500 meters (5:03.95).
Liza Varnum added a fourth-place finish in the 800 meters (2:27.08), while
Layla Albright secured a runner-up finish in the 1500 meters (5:03.11). Anna Norton also contributed with a sixth-place finish in the 1500 meters.
Columbus State's relay team of Candace Harris, Jayda Smith,
Chassidy Lock, and
Faith Brown earned a second-place finish in the 4x100-meter relay with a time of 48.33, adding valuable points to the team total.
Additional contributions came in the hurdles, where
Syni Lacy recorded an eighth-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles (16.09).
Columbus State returns to action Friday, April 17, traveling to Atlanta, Ga., to compete in the Georgia Tech Invitational at George C. Griffin Track & Field Facility.
