Privateers Turn in Strong Individual Efforts to Conclude Southland Championships

CONWAY, Ark. – The New Orleans Privateers track and field team got a pair of top-three finishes during the final day of the Southland Championships at the Bill Stephens Track Complex on the campus of Central Arkansas on Sunday.

Darius Roy turned in a strong 10.34 in the 100-meter dash, and set a school record while also achieving a seasonal best. Roy landed in second place behind Justin Walker of Northwestern State who finished with a 9.95. Roy wrapped up his day by finishing fifth in the 200 with a 21.25.

Head Coach Mike Erb was pleased with the highlighted performances by the young Privateers squad. "I thought there was some stand out things that happened this weekend. Alexia had a big personal record and hopefully a regional qualifier. Darius had a big highlight with his finish in the 100 and finishing fifth in the 200."

In the 400-meter hurdles, Constant Pretorius qualified with the fastest time on Saturday and finished second in the finals. In the final, Pretorius ran a 51.30, which was 1.5 seconds better than his season-best entering the weekend. Josh Taylor of Stephen F. Austin took first place in the event by running a 50.77.

Alexia Fortenberry had a strong finish in the 100-meter hurdles and landed in fourth with a time of 13.45. Fortenberry finished just .09 seconds out of second place and .26 seconds behind event winner, Sabrina Starr of Sam Houston State.

"It was basically how we expected. We've got something good to go on for the future," said Erb who also praised the efforts of his combined athletes in Sofia Johnsson,Farydah Inoussa, and Karl Saluri during the first two days of competition.

In the field, Fadeke Adeola and LaKayla LaFrance achieved personal bests in the high jump. Adeola cleared her first two jumps on the first attempt, and cleared a 5'5" height. Lafrance wound up clearing a bar of 5'3" on the day.