Firebirds Posts Multiple Event Wins at Spartan Invitational

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (Ocean Breeze) – The University of the District of Columbia women's indoor track & field team delivered a strong, well-rounded performance at the Spartan Invitational, posting multiple podium finishes and top-five results across sprints, hurdles, relays, and field events.

Kyndra Hines kicked off the meet for the Firebirds with a second-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles, clocking 8.88s in a field of 19 competitors. Hines also competed in the 200 meters, finishing seventh overall with a time of 26.25s.

The Firebirds' 4×200-meter relay team of Janel Baxter, Zoe Shaw, Kayleigh Shelton, and Mariela Hernandez placed third overall, crossing the line in 1:47.45 among 10 teams.

In the 400 meters, Samantha Morrison posted a fourth-place finish with a time of 1:00.41, while Tukey Francis followed closely behind in fifth place, finishing in 1:00.91 out of a field of 44 runners.

UDC continued to post strong sprint results in the 200 meters, led by Kayla Cooper, who finished fifth with a time of 26.10s. Janel Baxter followed in 10th place, crossing the line in 26.40s.

The Firebirds were dominant in the field events, led by Emmanuela Katou Kouami, who captured first place in the weight throw with a mark of 16.71 meters, besting a field of 30 competitors. Zoe Shaw added another victory for UDC, clearing 1.60 meters to take first place in the high jump.

Shaw capped off a standout meet by earning first place in the triple jump with a leap of 11.06 meters, while Gianna Wiggins recorded a fourth-place finish at 10.90 meters.

The Firebirds will continue the indoor season next Saturday, competing at the Cardinal Track & Field Classic in Landover, Md.