NEW YORK, N.Y. – Sophomore Lauren Blackwell set a new HPU Div. I record in the 5,000-meter run as part of the High Point University women’s track and field performance at the Armory Collegiate Invitational in New York, N.Y., on Saturday.
“Lauren really took a chance and forced the issue early in the race,” head coach Mike Esposito said. “It ended up paying dividends because she also closed really well. She has been on the verge of doing something like this and it was nice to see her breakthrough. Really all three girls that ran the race performed pretty well.”
Competing in a talented field, Blackwell crossed the line first in her heat and 11th overall with a time of 17:34.51. Blackwell came in under the previous record time of 17:46.24 which was set by Sara Day in 1999.
Senior Kelsey Hunt also ran in the event and turned in a career-best time of 17:40.91 to finish in 13th for the Panthers while junior Kayleigh Perry finished in 20th with a time of 17:55.25.
High Point continues its indoor season on Feb. 8 when the team heads to Clemson, S.C., to compete in the Tiger Paw Invitational.