Troy University Athletics
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Trojans Score Points on Opening Day
5/13/2011 9:06:03 PM | Track & Field
TROY got points from their throwers on both the men's and women's side Friday
Results
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (TroyTrojans.com) - The Troy University track and field program scored points on both the men's and women's side on Friday - the opening day of the Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Middle Tennessee State University.
The teams battled weather throughout the day in the Nashville-area, ending with the 10,000-meters being pushed back to 10 p.m. (CST) on Friday night.
Although the weather hampered the student-athletes most of the day, the multi-event athletes were able to push their way to the top of the standings. Senior Grant Bullington stands at 3,406 points overall and fifth place after the opening day of the decathlon, just 65 points behind the leader - William Oliver of Arkansas State.
Meanwhile, on the women's side in the heptathlon, sophomore Veronica Bryant battled her way to sixth place overall after the opening day. The sophomore is less than 400 points behind the leader - Lindsay Schwartz of South Alabama - and just 25 points behind second place - Kensha Hicks of Arkansas State.
Adria Hill stands at ninth overall with 2,617 points and Kierra Lyles 15th with 2,333 points after the opening day of the heptathlon.
"All of our multi athletes compete well today," Troy University Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Jill Lancaster said. "There are three athletes in scoring range currently as we head into tomorrow; Grant is in a battle on the men's side, while Veronica is in a scoring position for the women in the heptathlon.
"The weather was a bit of a challenge today, but they were able to work through it and compete well. The gaps are small in the multi-events in terms of events, and that gives us a chance. When we scored the meet of the performance list, we thought we might get a few points but right now we are taking points away from other teams if it ended today. This is a double-win for us if we can continue it."
The women got points early as three student-athletes scored in the discus on Friday, as the Trojans were able to earn nine points in the opening event. Nicole Studstill was the top finisher for the Trojans as she recorded a throw of 43.96 meters (144-03.00); with the throw being the best of the season and a new personal best. She was able to finish just ahead of Ashley Evans (43.05 meters) and Erin Walker (41.45 meters).
"We started off with the discus and Nicole really came out well," assistant coach Chip Brundage said. "She really came to compete today, and hit a big throw and we both knew it. Ashley (Evans) came off a broken foot and hit a new personal best. She spent a lot of time in the training room and was not expected to compete."
Meanwhile, on the men's side, the Trojans were able to get points in the only field event on that side in the discus. Eddie Lynn was the top finisher for the Trojans on the day as he finished with a distance of 50.16 meters (164-07.00). He was joined in scoring by Martins Pildavs with a distance of 46.06 meters (151-01.00), allowing the Trojans to score four points in the event.
"Martins came out well in the discus and was able to win his flight to get into the finals," Brundage said. "He was able to main eighth and score some points in his first conference meet. Eddie (Lynn) also had a great day, almost duplicating his school record that he set earlier this season. He came to compete today, and I am proud of his finish. He has been working all year, and finishing ninth last year proves he is going to be a treat in future years to come.
"I am very proud of the throws crew to open the meet up with valuable points for the team competition. I will be watching the remaining of the days of the meet for on our team standing and outstanding individual achievements."
The 10,000-meters will be posted on Saturday as the races will be run after press time on Friday due to weather in the Murfreesboro area.
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