Jan. 23, 2004

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. ----- The UAB women's track team turned in several outstanding performances in Friday's first day of competition here at the Niswonger Foundation Invitational as the Blazers advanced to Saturday's finals in five of six events they were entered.

UAB, participating in its second meet of the indoor season, was one of more than 40 schools competing in the meet hosted by East Tennessee State University.

The Blazers advanced to finals in five events, including the 60-meter dash where Birmingham freshman Oriana Carter ran a 7.72 to qualify as one of six to Saturday's final. In the 200, Blazer junior Crystal Hunter clocked a time of 25.30 - an all-time best - to reach the final. Teammates Shauntae Lockett (8th place) and Carter (9th) also were among the top 10 finishers in the event.

"I thought we had a great first day," said head coach Ray Stanfield. "We have somebody in the final of every event we were in except the 400. I think our freshmen competed well and realized their first meet was behind them last week. Now they can concentrate on working hard and improving their performances."

Genoah Collins, a freshman from Huntsville, Ala., ran to an eighth place finish of 2:23.79 in the 800-meter run while Jennifer Thompson was not far behind at 2:25.19.

UAB also got a solid effort from its mile relay team as it qualified for Saturday's final. The team of Normanie McKenzie, Collins, Amanda Hart and Hunter ran to a time of 3:55.93.

UAB junior Theresa Smith, one of the team's top performers, qualified for the final in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.99. Smith ran unattached as Stanfield tests Smith's health (foot injury) and determines whether to redshirt the Montgomery native for the indoor season.

The Blazers also had a seventh place finish in the triple jump (11.43 meters) from freshman Penny Shields of Denver, Colo.