University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Virginia Challenge
Tar Heels Conclude First Day Of Virginia Challenge
May 10, 2014 | Track & Field
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. - The University of North Carolina track and field teams competed in the Virginia Challenge today and a couple individuals picked up collegiate victories.
"It was great to get back on the track following two weeks of exams," North Carolina head coach Harlis Meaders said. "I was really pleased with the effort put in by our kids today. Avana [Story] won the women's hammer throw with a solid performance, and Tory [Kemp] had a great first day in the heptathlon.
"Javonte had the chance to compete against an elite level field of professional and collegiate athletes and this will serve him well as we push toward the first round of the NCAA Championships."
Avana Story started the meet's first event with a victory. Story threw 187-8 (57.20 meters) in her second attempt and that held as the best throw through the rest of competition.
Emily Godwin also finished first, but in the high jump. Godwin jumped 5-9 ¼ (1.76 meters) and had less attempts than the second place competitor who also jumped 5-9 ¼. Xenia Rahn took third place at 5-7 ¼ (1.71 meters).
Caroline Brailsford finished second in the women's pole vault after clearing 12-6 (3.81 meters). Amanda Benninghoff also competed in the pole vault and took sixth after clearing 12-0 (3.66 meters).
Javianne Oliver finished second among all individuals in the women's 100-meter dash. Oliver ran 11.88 to qualify for the final and ran 11.71 in the final to claim second place.
Javonte Lipsey competed in the men's 400-meter hurdle invitational and took fourth place in the event. Lipsey ran 51.51 to place first among all collegians in the field and even finished ahead of professional hurdlers.
Similarly, Roy Smith ran 51.91 to take third overall in the men's 400-meter hurdles. Smith's time of 51.91 is only 0.01 seconds behind his personal record.
Dontrevious Ousley finished sixth in the men's discus. Ousley threw 163-7 (49.87 meters) on his second attempt.
Cori Floyd finished seventh in the women's 400-meter hurdles after running 1:01.46.
A little more than halfway through the heptathlon, Tory Kemp holds the lead with 3,328 points. Tomorrow the women finish the heptathlon with the long jump, javelin throw and 800.
Paul Haley ended the day in third place in the men's decathlon. After five events - 100, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400 - Haley totaled 3,734 points, only 65 points behind first place.
The meet will continue tomorrow with the first events wrapping up the heptathlon and decathlon. A recap of performances and results can be found on Goheels.com at the conclusion of the meet.
Players Mentioned
