Hurricanes Perform Well at Day One of Virginia Tech Elite

Feb. 8, 2008

<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Blacksburg, Va. – The University of Miami women’s track and field team completed the first day of the Virginia Tech Elite at the Rector Field House on the campus of Virginia Tech.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

All-American Krista Simkins ran the third fastest time in the NCAA in the 400-meters Friday night, as she won the event with a time of 53.34.

All-time personal and season-best marks were met all evening for the women.  Sophomore Deandra Doyley realized her career-best in the triple jump with a distance of 11.96m. 

Viktoria Andonova improved on her season best with a leap of 1.79m, as she placed second in the high jump.  Freshman Megan Novinger placed fifth in the same event with a mark of 1.65m.

Three hurdlers qualified for the finals in the 60-meter hurdles in freshmen Ti’erra Brown and Takecia Jemeson and Doyley.  Brown finished in third place and improved on her provisional time at 8.31.  “I am pleased with the continued improvement of Ti’erra,” said head coach Amy Deem.

Senior Khadija Talley continues to have an impressive season as she finished third in the weight throw with a mark of 19.33m.

“I am really pleased with the performances tonight,” said Deem.  “Krista Simkins was great in her first run of the year.  We have put ourselves in a good position for the next couple of weeks, heading into the ACC Championships.”

The second and final day of the Virginia Tech Elite begins tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.