The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Alabama Relays
Le'Blanc, Mehl Take Top Spots At Alabama Relays
3/27/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
March 27, 2010
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. --- Juniors Bianca Le'Blanc and Nora Mehl claimed first place finishes for the UAB track and field team Saturday at the Alabama Relays in Tuscaloosa.
In addition to the two event titles, the Blazers claimed top-five finishes in three events at the Sam Bailey Track and Field Complex.
"Today was a great day to start the outdoor season," UAB interim track and field coach Kurt Thomas said. "We always look to open our outdoor season strong at Alabama Relays, and the weather really cooperated today with a beautiful day and the girls responded with a strong showing on the first day of the meet."
Le'Blanc clocked a personal-best time of 2:13.97 in the 800m to place first. In the high jump, Mehl claimed first after leaping 1.79m (5-10.50).
In the 100m dash, freshman Shakima Knox finished third with a personal-best time of 11.91.
"Shakima got to race in front of her hometown crowd and had a great race," Thomas said. "To open up at 11.91 and finish in the top three is a great way to go from indoor and continue running well into outdoor."
Sophomore Kristina Vaughn placed fourth in the 3000m steeplechase with a personal-best time of 11:13.79.
In the 100m hurdles, junior Samantha Hamilton raced to a fourth-place finish with a time of 14.15.
"Overall, we started the meet really well," Thomas said. "We are by no means where we need to be, but this is a step in the right direction. We need to come out tomorrow and race the same way we did today to finish the meet."
The Blazers continue the Alabama Relays Sunday with a full slate of relays events that kick off at 11:30 a.m. CT with the shuttle hurdle relay and concludes after the 4x400m relay that gets underway at 3:40 p.m.
Fans can track UAB's results through the CFPI timing website Sunday.
