The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Tyson Invitational
Sutherland leads Women's Track & Field with 5000m win
02.10.2012 | Track & Field / Cross Country w, Track & Field / Cross Country
Feb. 10, 2012
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The University of Texas got off to a good start to the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark. as it got a victory in the 5,000m run from sophomore Sara Sutherland.
"We are coming around and are starting to see improved performances," said head coach Beverly Kearney. "We are getting more comfortable racing, but we have to get used to being good. We are looking for some great performances tomorrow to put us in great position going into the conference championships."
Sutherland, a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, cruised to the finish in 16:15.95 to best the second place finisher, Texas Tech's Rose Tanui, by more than 20 seconds.
"It is always great to get a win and we are happy with the way Sara raced and how she is delivering to the team," said distance coach Steve Sisson. "She really ran conservative early and picked it up over the last 2000 meters. Her last mile was a personal best so that was great to see."
A'Lexus Brannon had the top finish of the day for the Longhorns in field events, claiming third in the long jump championship division. She was one of three jumpers to go over 20 feet as her top attempt landed at 20-4 ¼ (6.20m).
Texas had three runners finish in the top 10 of the 400m. Stacey-Ann Smith led the charge with a fifth place time of 53.27. Finishing right behind Smith was Briana Nelson in sixth place with a 53.36. Kendra Chambers rounded out the top 10 with her 54.00 for 10th overall. Danielle Dowie also ran the 400m, clocking a time of 54.76 for 19th.
Senior thrower Amanda Van Dyke ended up in sixth in the shot put with a top throw of 49-1 ¾ (14.98m). The throw came on her fourth attempt of the day as she topped 14.9m on each of her final four attempts. Okwukwe Okolie was 18th in the event with a toss of 44-9 ½ (13.65m).
Freshman Morgan Snow qualified for the finals in the 60m hurdles with her semifinal mark of 8.316 to place her sixth. She was seventh after the prelims when she ran a 8.39.
In the 60m dash, Allison Peter had the top time of Texas' three runners in the event with a 7.43 for 10th place in the semifinals, improving slightly from her 7.463 that had her in 11th place following the prelims.
The meet will continue Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. with the 3,000m run. Field events will begin at 11 a.m. with the triple jump.
