LOUISVILLE, KY – The Patriots opened competition at the Rod McCravy Memorial on Friday, squaring off against one of the deepest fields of the indoor season and turning in several strong performances against top-level competition on day one of the meet.
 
The sprint group set the tone early in the 60-meter dash as MaQuoia Raglan posted UC's top finish of the day in the event, crossing the line in 7.68 to place 38th overall and move into the national NAIA top 15. Ritorion Vigne followed closely behind with a time of 7.82 as both athletes competed in large preliminary heats.
 
UC added representation in the hurdles with two athletes competing in the 60-meter hurdles. Aliah Laster ran 9.44, while Jaci Woods followed with a 10.99 effort as both gained experience against a nationally competitive field.
 
The Patriots continued their sprint efforts in the 200 meters, where Lillian Guzman turned in a time of 25.73 to place 33rd overall and move into the national top 50. In the 400 meters, Lennon Little represented UC with a time of 1:03.84.
 
The mid-distance group delivered one of UC's strongest overall showings of the day in the 600 meters. Caroline Cronen led the way by finishing 17th with a time of 1:37.94, which placed her among the top 15 nationally. Megan Kitchens followed closely behind in 1:42.38, landing inside the national top 30, while Grace Nelson rounded out the group with a time of 1:45.76.
 
The Patriots also competed in the field events against a deep slate of jumpers and throwers. In the long jump, Jaci Woods led UC with a mark of 5.00m to place 28th overall. Analei Sarakatsannis followed with a jump of 4.67m, while Laster added a 4.51 meter effort.
 
In the weight throw, Taylor Lunsford posted UC's top mark at 10.23 meters. Katie Slade followed with a throw of 9.50m, and Kelsie Peavler rounded out the event with a mark of 9.41m, respectively.
 
The Patriots will return to action tomorrow as competition continues at the Rod McCravy Memorial. To follow along with the live results click here.
 
 
For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on X - @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram- @UCPatriots, TikTok- @ucpatriots, YouTube- Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands Athletics.