CENTRAL, S.C. – The Converse College track and field team posted its best day one in program history during the opening round of the 2018 Conference Carolinas Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Serenity Hunt led the way for the Purple and Gold, kicking the show off with a first-place finish in the long jump, establishing a new conference record, while also setting a new school best after completing a distance of 5.56m. Dominique Hill placed fifth in the same event after leaping out to 5.26m. Hunt's jump was the longest ever at the Conference Carolinas Championship.
Dasia Sanders set a new standard for Converse in the 100 hurdles, running a brilliant time of 14.57 to place fourth overall, while Daeja Belton crushed her old personal record, finishing with a time of 15.05, good enough for fifth. Both runners advanced to the finals tomorrow.
Marie Smith ran a 1:06.71 in the 400 hurdles to win her heat and make the final with the second-fastest qualifying time. Mackenzie Fogle captured the final qualifying time in the same event. Tyaisha Gant tied the school record in the 100 meter while advancing to the final. Shakura Wesley placed eighth in the hammer throw, earning one point for the Valkyries.
"This was the best opening day in program history for us", said head coach Brandon Morton. "The girls really competed and executed. Serenity highlighted the day by starting with a conference and school record in the long jump. Dominique Hill was there to push her as well. Marie smith set herself up to medal in the 400h tomorrow by winning the first of two heats. Tyaisha, Dasia Sanders and Daeja Belton all put themselves in position to score big points by qualifying for the finals tomorrow. Overall, everybody did their jobs and we are looking forward to the final day of competition tomorrow."
The second and final day will get underway tomorrow morning as the Valkyries look to bring a championship back to campus.