The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Houston Opener
Blazers Finish Tied For Fourth at Houston Opener
1/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Jan. 16, 2009
HOUSTON, Texas - Sophomore Jacinta Scruggs returned to her 2008 championship form as she took first place in the 400-meter dash at the Houston Opener on Friday. The Blazers finished tied with Louisiana Tech for fourth place out of 20 teams in their first indoor meet of the season.
Scruggs, who was the 2008 Conference USA Outdoor 400-meter hurdle champion, registered a winning time of 58.09, edging out Sam Houston State's Desiree Taylor's time of 58.12.
Another highlight for the Blazers was the dominating performance in the 5,000-meter run. Five UAB runners finished in the top eight, with freshman Rhiannon Johns taking second place in a time of 17:40.10. Junior Stephanie Gammon finished third (17:50.69), seniors Elizabeth Hilligoss and Kristina Olsen finished sixth (18:12.33) and seventh (18:20.96), respectively. Olsen's time was a new personal best in the event. Freshman Clara Cid was right behind securing eighth place in a time of 18:21.97. The outstanding performance in the event garnered 20 points towards UAB's overall total.
Senior Alina Varpiotaite added to UAB's point total as she garnered a third-place finish in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:17.14. Her performance vaulted the Blazers from sixth to fourth place.
UAB also posted a third-place finish (12:21.98) in the distance medley relay while the UAB `B' squad secured sixth (12:51.04).
Other top performances for the Blazers included freshman Sandra Lundberg finishing 10th in the 1-mile run (5:13.43), sophomore Samantha Hamilton placing 11th in the 60-meter hurdles (9.20) and junior Timara McMillan finishing 12th in the 60-meter hurdles (9.29). McMillan also set a new personal record in the 60-meter hurdles after posting a qualifying time of 9.12.
Rice took first place overall with 117 points. Texas came in second (101) followed by Houston in third (63). UAB and Louisiana Tech finished tied for fourth with 50 points.
The Blazers return to the track Jan. 30-31 at the Niswonger Invitational hosted by East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn.
