Pina, Griffin lead HPU women’s track in Winston-Salem State Invite

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Junior Lynee Pina was runner-up in both the discus and javelin and freshman Catelyn Griffin placed second in the pole vault to lead the High Point University women’s track & field team at the Winston-Salem State Collegiate Invitational in Winston-Salem, N.C. on Saturday.

“It was a solid day for Lynee in the discus with three throws over 37 meters,” said HPU head coach Mike Esposito. “Catelyn clearing 10-10 in the pole vault was also a good mark for her.”

Pina threw the discus 37.33 meters (122-5) to place second to Johnson C. Smith thrower Marcia Higgins. It was a season best and just off Pina’s career best of 37.77 meters (123-11). Pina had an off-day in the javelin but was still able to get second place with her throw of 30.64 meters (100-6).

Griffin cleared a career-best 3.32 meters (10-10.5) in the pole vault to place second. Her previous season best was 3.12 meters (10-2.75) last week at the VertKlasse Meeting. During the indoor season, she cleared 3.20 meters (10-6), which was her previous career best. HPU freshman Ashton Kirby cleared 3.02 meters (9-10.75) to place third.

On the track, sophomore Colleen Hollowood placed seventh in the 400-meter hurdles to lead the Panthers. New to the event this season, Hollowood finished in 1:09.81. Megan Lowery placed 19th in the 100-meter dash and 14th in the long jump and sophomore Kaitlin Whittington placed 22nd in the 200-meter.

It was the first time in over 30 years that Winston-Salem State hosted a track meet.

Most of High Point’s runners competed in the Raleigh Relays at NC State on Friday and Saturday. Next weekend, the Panthers will compete in the Duke Invitational in Durham, N.C.