Tulane Caps off Tyson Invitational with Strong Individual Performances

Arkansas Tyson Invitational
LSUsports.net Press Release

 Tulane Caps off Tyson Invitational with Strong Individual Performances

Taku finishes fourth in triple jump on final attempt

 

 

 
Senior Nicolette Taku posted a lifetime best in the triple jump and finished fourth overall in the event at the Tyson Invitational.
 
Senior Nicolette Taku posted a lifetime best in the triple jump and finished fourth overall in the event at the Tyson Invitational.
 
 

Feb. 14, 2010

 

 

Tyson Invitational-Day Two Results Get Acrobat Reader

 

NEW ORLEANS - For the second straight week, senior Nicolette Taku saved the best for last as her final attempt in the triple jump netted her a fourth place finish and was one of several lifetime best performances on Saturday for the Green Wave during the final day of the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark.

Competing against one of the strongest fields in the nation, Taku recorded a jump of 12.48 (41-3 ¼) on her final attempt to finish fourth overall. Her distance was a lifetime best, topping her previous mark of 12.24 set last week at the Sykes-Sabock Challenge Cup, and it ranks among the top efforts among Conference USA performers this season.

"Nicolette had a really good performance today. She is a seasoned athlete and a great competitor," Tulane head coach Eric Peterson said.

In the finals of the 200-meter dash, senior Olivia Kizzee (24.73), freshman Jamie Riles (24.93) and sophomoreKasey Rodgers (25.36) each turned in lifetime bests in the race.

Redshirt sophomore Julia Whitrock continued a stellar day for the Green Wave as she shaved 13 seconds off her time from a week ago in the 3,000-meter run final to finish 10th in the race with a time of 10:08.25.

The Wave's Distance Medley Relay team of junior Rebecca Coady, freshman Candice St. Etienne, freshman Jerica Banks and sophomoreJohanna Gretschel combined to run 15 seconds faster than a week ago and finished the race in eighth place.

"I am very proud of our DMR relay team. Each leg ran a faster split time than a week ago. This is a great national level meet and I thought all of our athletes did a great job of working hard and working together," Peterson said.

"I'm extremely proud of the way the team responded this weekend. For them to go through last week and turn in this performance this weekend is a testament to the fact our program is headed in the right direction," Peterson said.

Saturday's Results
200-Meter Dash-Final
24. Olivia Kizzee 24.73
58. Jamie Riles 24.93
74. Kasey Rodgers 25.36

3,000-Meter Run-Final
10. Julia Whitrock 10:08.25

Distance Medley Relay
8. Tulane 12:03.26
(Coady, St. Etienne, Banks, Gretschel)

Triple Jump
4. Nicolette Taku 12.58