Smith Wins Javelin, Watson Sets Career Best In Hammer Throw At Rice Invitational

Women’s track junior Jalecia Smith won the javelin throw while senior Taylor Watson threw a career-best mark in the hammer as TSU women’s track continued their outdoor campaign Tuesday at Rice University.

Three days after throwing a personal best mark in the javelin at the University of Texas, Smith continued her momentum as she had little trouble defeating the field as her throw of 34.55 meters was nearly seven meters better than the nearest competitor from UTRGV. Participating in her first true outdoor meet since March of 2020, Watson surpassed her previous-best mark of 45.24 meters set in 2019 at the Houston Alumni Invitational as she placed third overall.

Running in only her third collegiate outdoor meet, Tajaia Paddio placed second as she tied her personal best in the 100. Ashlonia John and Miriam Darden placed 2-3 in the 400 while the 4×100-meter relay team nearly equaled their season-opening time of 48.09 set at the Longhorn Invitational on Saturday.

Phylan Perkins set a personal best in the discus with her longest throw since 2019 at the SWAC Outdoor Championships.

TSU is back in action next week as they’ll return home for the 69^th annual TSU Relays at Durley Stadium on Saturday, March 20.