Bailey wins hammer throw; SSU women's outdoor track and field finishes fifth at University of the Cumberlands' (Ky.) Early Spring Meet

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. -- The efforts of Shawnee State women's field athlete Jaina Bailey again proved to be terrific, as the Rock Hill High School alum's 143-foot, one-inch launch in the hammer throw proved to be a meet-winning performance in the event -- leading an effort where the Bears posted 44 points to finish fifth in its opening outdoor track and field event of the spring season -- the Early Spring Meet, which was held at James H. Taylor, II Stadium in Williamsburg, Ky.

Bailey, who beat out Lindsey Wilson's Reagan Cheatham for the victory in the event, did so in exciting fashion -- as the senior entered her sixth and final throw just four inches behind Cheatham's best mark of 142 feet, six inches.

However, Bailey -- who had thrown a best of 142 feet, two inches on her fourth attempt, reared back and nabbed a 143-foot, one-inch throw in the sixth and final attempt to edge Cheatham by seven inches.

The new mark not only won the event but set a new school mark in the event -- as Bailey already sits in a position to potentially challenge for a standard throw in future meets.

Behind Bailey, Ivy Gentry posted a strong performance in the long jump, nabbing a 15-foot, three-inch jump to place third and obtain six points in the event. Jessica Elick followed with two fourth-place finishes in distance running events -- nabbing a 2:30.80 in the 800 meter run and a 1:59.69 in the 1,500 meter run to score five points apiece between the two events, while setting personal best marks in both races.

Natalie Brammer and Ali Taylor each collected a fifth-place finish to add three points apiece in the 5,000 meter racewalk and the high jump, respectively, while Kirsten Evans' 5:08.18 in the 1,500 meter run was a new personal best for the junior from Jackson, who finished sixth in the event.

Faith Kuhn followed Evans' sixth place finish in the 1,500 meter run with two additional finishes at that position -- throwing 32 feet, eight-and-a-quarter inches in the shot put and nabbing a personal best 78-foot, six-inch javelin throw to post two competitive and promising marks as a thrower. Alexis Sudderth, who is competing in only her third event total as a transfer from Kentucky Christian, placed eighth with a 112-foot, seven-inch throw in the hammer to round out the main point scorers for the Shawnee State women's track and field program.

"Across all events, I felt that our women's team competed well with the fields," Shawnee State Director of Cross Country and Track and Field Conner Flynn said. "A significant amount of our women placed in the top of their events, which helped them gain the confidence that they needed going into the outdoor season."

In addition to the above point scorers, Sydney Reed's personal best time of 5:25.76 led the remaining efforts for the Shawnee State women.

"It's great to have a team that is growing and improving in every area," Flynn said. "I love the dynamic that both sides offer, and I am more than excited to see how this team continues to develop. We are happy to get the opener in, and are planning to buckle down now for a big meet in Charlotte, N.C. next weekend."

The women's outdoor track and field program will be competing alongside the men's outdoor track and field program from Thursday through Sunday -- when Shawnee State competes at the three-day Charlotte 49er Classic, which will be held at the Irwin Belk Track and Field Center in Charlotte, N.C.