Concord, NC - The Southern Virginia University women's track and field team successfully repeated its USA South Outdoor Title, clinching a fourth championship trophy in the last four seasons.

The two day meet was contested in Concord, North Carolina at the Jay M. Robinson Mondo Track and Field Facility. From the first few events, another triumph at the championships never seemed in doubt for the Knights. 

They held a lead of over 40 points after day one, and became even greater after the last event was contested. In the end, the Knights finished with 223 points, well ahead of second place North Carolina Wesleyan who finished with 92 points.

Not only did the Knights produce quality finishes across all event areas, they took first place in 11 events. Jilane Pedersen took her second straight individual title in the javelin throw with a season best throw of 36.61m (120' 1"). The early win was a sign of things to come, as Southern Virginia throwers dominated throughout the meet.

Hazel Allen (Discus), Katrina Gardner (Hammer), and Surraiya Mahmud (Shot Put) were the other Knights to garner individual wins in throwing events. Not to be outdone, Marin Simons delivered another excellent performance to win the high jump, and Andee Nelson soared past her previous personal best to finish second in the long jump with a distance of 5.25m (17' 2.75").

Moving to the track, Folole Torres and Shandrey Allman swept the 100m hurdles for the second year in a row. Torres doubled back to win the 400m hurdles by over two seconds to add to an athlete of the meet caliber weekend.

Heidi Barton also had an excellent day herself. She successfully defended her 1,500m title, winning by a whopping 20 seconds. She then left the field in her wake during 800m not long after, finishing in a time of 2:15.26. Bayleigh Redd won the distance crews third event of the day with her victory in the 5,000, winning by a wide margin and a time of 19:20.27.

Major Awards

By the final event, Southern Virginia had comfortably secured its fourth straight championship to remain undefeated in the USA South. Head Coach Kyle Chandler was once again named Women's Coach of the Meet.

After garnering two massive personal bests and three second place finishes, Andree Nelson was named Field Athlete of the Meet, and Rookie Field Athlete of the Meet. She became the second Southern Virginia freshman to win a major award after Surraiya Mahmud won Rookie Field Athlete of the Meet during the indoor championships.

Up Next

The Knights postseason will continue over the next couple of weeks as several athletes attempt to post qualifying marks for the upcoming NCAA Division lll National Championship meet. 

For the most up-to-date information and details and information on the team, visit knightathletics.com and @knightxctf on Instagram.