RAMS OPEN SPRING SEASON WITH STRONG SHOWING AT TRIBE INVITATIONAL

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Commonwealth University women's track & field wasted no time getting adjusted to the outdoor season as the Rams posted four victories, eight personal bests and two ECAC qualifiers at this past weekend's Tribe Invitational.

"We really had a low key opener with good results," Head Coach Jon Riley said. "The ladies did an outstanding job this weekend, making improvements in almost every event. This young group continues to impress each week."

Sophomore Allison Morris (Langhorne, Pa.), junior Quine Fortune' (New Orleans, La.), freshman Chaneka Perry (Newport News, Va.) and the 4x100 meter relay squad all posted victories at the meet.

Morris cleared a personal best of 5'5" in the high jump for a win, while Perry continued her outstanding debut campaign with the Black & Gold with a victorious time of 14.72 in the 100-meter hurdles.

Fortune' tallied two wins on the weekend, one in the 400-meter with an ECAC-qualifying time of 55.44 and as part of the 4x100 meter relay which also posted an ECAC-qualifying time of 46.59. Accompanying her on the relay squad was senior Whitney Key (Goochland, Va.), sophomore Jazlynn Finney (Virginia Beach, Va.) and freshman Dionna Hayes (Bowie, Md.).

Perry was the leader of a trio of Rams who grabbed top-three finishes. Senior Sernarra Archie (Winston-Salem,N.C.) posted a personal best of 14.82 and sophomore Theresa Trader (Purcellville, Va.) placed third with a time of 15.13.

Sophomore Nicole Walters (Orange, Va.) was strong once again with a personal best of 4:41.80 in the 1500-meter run, good for third place.

Rounding out the Rams' highlights were sophomores Stephanie Newing (Virginia Beach, Va.) and Julia Anyaugo (Washington, D.C.). Newing placed second and earned a personal best in the pole vault, while Anyaugo did the same in the javelin throw.

The Rams are back in action next weekend at the Raleigh Relays.