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Track and Field Dominates to Conclude Knights Invite

by Alex Clough

ORLANDO – It was another strong showing from the UCF track and field squad to conclude its homestand. The Black and Gold secured multiple event wins during day two of the Knights invite at the UCF Track and Field Complex.

They came out this week and really stepped it up, I see the progress and we're making good strides so I'm really pleased at the end of the meet with everything we accomplished.

Head coach Dana Boone

Saturday began with the 2024 UCF senior ceremony as 13 Knights were honored for their dedication both on the track and in the classroom. The first event saw head coach Dana Boone present her first 4x100m relay squad of the season.

Competing in heat one, Ani Wells ran the first leg before Rayniah Jones, Colleen Branch and I’Asia Wilson would eventually secure the win with a 44.36. The performance currently ranks ninth in the NCAA as the squad will look to get back to the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the third consecutive season.

Freshman Karin Dobiasch clocked a 2:13.74 to claim eighth in the 800m as the sole Knight competing.

In her outdoor hurdles debut, the now eight-time All-American picked up right where she left off. Jones claimed first with a 13.09, separating herself from the field in heat one. Running unattached during this outdoor campaign, Adaobi Tabugbo would follow just behind her teammate with a second-place finish and time of 13.10. Y’Vette Harris continued her strong freshman campaign with yet another personal best, this time rounding out the top four at 13.63.

After securing the NCAA lead and her first event win of the season in the 200m on Friday, Kiah Williams made her mark once again, this time in the 400m. The 2023 All-American went sub-22 in her season debut to take both first place and the top time in the NCAA thus far at 21.90.

Three Knights embarked on the triple jump as Asherah Collins led the way once again with her second-consecutive second-place finish. Collins jumped above 13m for the first time this season with her 13.01m mark. Natalia Madison trailed in fourth with her 12.50m jump, while Alexis Waller placed 11th with a 12.08m mark.

I’Asia Wilson led the way for the Knights in the 100m with a personal-best 11.52 in third place. Paige Archer rounded out the top 10 with an 11.76.