Women's Track Led by Personal Bests
2/9/2008 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
LINCOLN, Neb. - The Alabama women's track and field team came off a two week layoff with an impressive showing Saturday at the Adidas Classic in the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Alabama was led by some key individual performances and multiple personal bests.
"The meet was a lot of fun," head coach Sandy Fowler said. "The team competed really well and I am very proud of them. You don't get that many personal bests unless you are ready mentally and physically."
Chelsea Taylor headlined the Tide with her first showing of the 2008 season. Taylor won two events, including the high jump with a NCAA automatic and personal best mark of 6-00.75. Taylor won the 200 meters in a time of 24.23.
Also making her season debut was Kimberley Laing. Laing placed fourth in the 60 meter hurdles with a NCAA provisional and personal best time of 8.43. Talaya Owens placed sixth with a time of 8.54. Her time of 8.52 in the prelims was a personal best along with an 8.85 from Heather Matherson.
In the distance events the Tide put together a solid outing. Julia Hicks finished third with a time of 4:56.37. Betty Rotich closely followed with a time of personal best of 4:57.60 while Haley Moody crossed the line in 10th shattering her best time with a 4:59.47. In the 800 meters Rachel Robbs set a personal best with a 2:32.95.
Trish Bartholomew continued her brilliance in the indoor season by winning the 400 once again. Bartholomew crossed the line in a personal best and NCAA provisional time of 53.87. Bartholomew came back to lead the Tide in the 4x400 relay with a first place time of 3:45.38.
In the pole vault Lynda Cooper placed third with a clearance of 11-06.25. Capri Knox placed fifth in the triple jump with a leap of 38-02. Angelica Howard placed 10th in the shot put with a heave of 44-06. Jessica Hand set a personal best in the weight throw with a mark of 43-08.
Alabama will continue its indoor season next weekend at the Tyson Invitational. The meet is scheduled to begin on Friday, Feb. 15 at Fayetteville, Ark.
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