Lawrence leads track and field at Blue & Gold Twilight

OWENSBORO, Ky. - The Defiance College track & field teams traveled to Owensboro, Ky. on Friday to compete in the Blue & Gold Twilight meet hosted by Brescia University. The women's team placed fifth out of six teams while the men finished fourth out of five teams.

"Today was definitely a challenging day with the heat and wind but our kids competed well." said head coach Nathan Christianson.

Shi'nique Lawrence led the women's team with a fourth-place finish in the 110-meter hurdles (18.59), a fifth-place finish in the 100 meters (13.28), and a seventh-place finish in the high jump (1.37m). Her time in the 100-meters is currently the second-fastest in the HCAC this season.

"Our ladies continue to race really hard. Shi'Nique continues to impress as she gets in better shape. I was really impressed with her times and efforts." Nathan Christianson said.

Defiance sprinter Robert Marshall placed first in both the 100 and 200 meters. Marshall's 100 meters time of 10.81 is the seventh-fastest in team history and a personal best. His time in the 100 is the fastest in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference so far this season. His 200-meter time is also the fastest so far among HCAC runners.

"Robert had a standout day and he competed really well and dropped some major time for us," said Christianson. "He's continuing to grow each week."

He also contributed to the Defiance 4x400 relay team's second-place finish. The team also consisted of Tawon Cannon, John Reese, and Joshua Gaffney.

Connor Bujalski also had a new personal best in the 100, placing sixth with a time of 11.81.

Throwers Tyrel Goings and Kaleb Tyree placed second and fourth in the shot put. Goings recorded a new personal best throw of 12.30m.

Up next for both teams is the Tiffin University Outdoor Invitational on Saturday, April 17.