Trojan Women Return to the CrossPlex for Emory Invitational

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Troy women's track and field team will take 26 student-athletes to the CrossPlex on Sunday to compete at the Emory Invitational. The meet is tentatively scheduled to start at 8:40 a.m. CT with section two of the men's 3000-meter run. Troy's first performances of the day will begin at 10 a.m. CT during the preliminary rounds of the women's 60-meter dash, featuring sophomore Sydney Wright, junior Cameia Alexander and freshman Gabrielle Henderson.

"We're excited to see the women's team build on the successes and areas for improvement we saw last weekend," head coach Marc Davis said. "It's important that we continue to see development in these early meets. Whether that manifests itself as a personal best, better tactical execution in a race or a technical adjustment in the field, every step toward overall improvement is critical at this stage of the season."

At the Trojans' season opener last weekend, underclassmen set the tone for the team with several top-three finishes and personal bests. After winning her heat and placing eighth overall in the shot put amid a field of 35 throwers last Friday, freshman Indiya Summerville will look to improve on her first collegiate mark of 13.30 meters (43'7.75") today. In addition, Wright started her season better than she did last year with a 60-meter dash time of 7.73 seconds – a tenth of a second from her personal best in the event.

The women's sprint corps also anticipates improved performances from sophomore Niata Alexander and junior Dallas Worthy in the 400-meter dash, who both contributed quick legs to the meet-winning 4x400-meter relay last weekend. Joining them will be junior Sierra King, who will make her collegiate debut in the 400-meter dash after competing primarily as a short sprinter. Alexander will also compete in the women's 200-meter dash alongside Wright.

After a successful 2015 cross country campaign, junior Mikayla Hodges will race on the track for the first time this year in the 3000-meter run. And, for the first time this season, the women will compete in the distance-medley relay, which contains 1200-meter, 400-meter, 800-meter and 1600-meter legs (in that order). Troy's team will include junior Keaton Wallace, sophomore Naomi Sheppard, freshman Krystin Guirey and sophomore Sara Zylstra.

Next weekend, the Trojan men and women will travel to the CrossPlex again for the Privateer Invitational hosted by the University of New Orleans on Sunday, Jan. 31.

Fans can keep up with the action by following Troytrack and field and cross country on Twitter @TroyTrojanXC_TF and Instagram @TroyTrojansTFXC.

For more information on Troy Athletics, fans can find the Trojans on Twitter and Instagram @TroyAthletics and Facebook by searching Troy Trojans.

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Players Mentioned

Cameia Alexander

Niata Alexander

Gabrielle Henderson

Mikayla Hodges

Sierra King

Naomi Sheppard

Indiya Summerville

Keaton Wallace

Dallas Worthy

Sydney Wright

Sara Zylstra