Tech leaves Commodore Invitational with nationally ranked marks
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Tech closed out the two-day Commodore Invitational strong on Saturday, finishing up the team’s remaining field events and completing the bulk of its track events.
By Layne Weitzel, TTU Sports Information
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Tech closed out the two-day Commodore Invitational strong on Saturday, finishing up the team's remaining field events and completing the bulk of its track events.
Three events in particular highlighted Tech's day – the 400m dash, mile and 4x400m relay.
D'Airrien Jackson and Na'Asha Robinson put up a 1-2 finish in the 400m, with Jackson timing a career-best 53.57 and Robinson following just behind at 53.59. As of the completion of Saturday's meets across the country, Jackson's time ranks second-fastest in NCAA Division I this year, while Robinson's is third-fastest.
Competing in one of her two events on the weekend, Micayla Rennick broke her own mile school record with a time of 4:48.99. Her mark earned her a second-place event finish and stands at 26th-best in the nation.
Tech's A-team of Robinson, Ceirra Tate, Khemani Roberts and Jackson partnered up in the 4x400m relay to end the meet, finishing third overall with a time of 3:43.43. That time ranks 22nd-fastest in the country.
"The ladies started the day off with a bang," said head coach Wayne Angel. "Na'Asha, Sharnique and Lisa were on a mission. They looked absolutely terrific in the 60 meters – it's great to see them rounding into shape.
"Micayla was truly awesome today. She smashed the school record and ran one of the fastest miles in the country. D'Airrien and Na'Asha were spectacular today. They dominated the 400 meters today against a formidable field. Their one-two finish was a sight to behold."
Sharnique Leonce and Lisa Wickham also reached the finals of the 60m hurdles and 60m dash respectively. Leonce finished second in her heat to earn a finals spot, crossing the finish line in 8.71 seconds. Wickham placed fourth in the prelims and went on to finish sixth in the finals with a time of 7.60.
"Overall, I thought that we had a great meet," said Angel. "We held our own with the Power Five schools and represented Tennessee Tech with pride and class today."
SATURDAY, JAN. 13
