MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Norfolk State women's track team opened the outdoor season by competing in the Shamrock Invitational last weekend, hosted by Coastal Carolina University. The Spartans got a number of strong performances from their field athletes, who notched three top-10 finishes.

Two of the top-10 finishes were recorded by freshman thrower Kiara Howell. She was fourth in the shot put (46 feet, 10.75 inches) and placed sixth in the discus (143-4). In addition, sophomore Tiara Davis came in fourth in the pole vault by clearing 10 feet.

Sophomore Kaydianne McKenzie led the way for the jumpers by placing 14th in the triple jump (37-4.5). Navia Howell was 18th in the javelin throw (111-11).

Among individual runners, sophomore Ra'Shaun Combs had the highest finish, placing 18th in the 800 meters (2:21.74). The 4x100 relay team of McKenzie, Champagne Bell, Qua'Nesha Wallace and Torie Cunningham took 14th place with a time of 48.09 seconds.

The Spartans are back in action this Friday and Saturday at the William & Mary Tribe Invitational in Williamsburg.