Women’s Track and Field Posts PRs and NAIA Marks at Carl Knight Invitational

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Texas A&M University–Texarkana women's outdoor track and field team turned in a solid two days of competition at the Carl Knight Collegiate Invitational, held April 2–3 and hosted by Stephen F. Austin. The Eagles faced a large and talented field featuring programs from across multiple divisions, including Division I opponents, and responded with several standout performances, personal bests, and NAIA marks.

Leading the way on the track, Damaria Bell delivered an impressive showing in the 100-meter hurdles. After qualifying for the finals with a time of 14.79 in prelims, Bell improved to a 14.63 finish to place fourth overall, continuing to build on her strong national standing this season.

In the 100 meters, J'layah Spellman Collins paced the Eagles with a 17th-place finish in 12.31, a mark that ranks among the top times in the NAIA this season. Ja'kouria Jamerson followed with a time of 12.55.

The Eagles also saw success in the 4x100-meter relay, as the quartet of Bell, Spellman Collins, Jamerson, and Vinae Edwards combined for a fourth-place finish with a season-best time of 47.66. The mark currently ranks among the top relay times in the NAIA this year.

In distance events, Kayla Reeves turned in a pair of strong performances, recording personal bests in both of her races. Reeves clocked a 2:24.90 in the 800 meters before finishing 13th in the 5,000 meters with a time of 18:25.16, continuing her steady progression this season.

In the field, Ava Ferreira and R'Naziah Johnson led the way in the discus throw. Ferreira placed 14th with a mark of 37.32 meters, while Johnson followed closely in 16th with a personal-best throw of 36.98 meters.

Vinae Edwards also competed in the 200 meters, crossing the line in 26.62.

Overall, the Eagles demonstrated depth and competitiveness acrvb nghyoss events while gaining valuable experience against a highly competitive field.