NORFOLK, Va. – Mercyline Kimaiyo and Brooklyn Robinson earned victories in a successful outing for Norfolk State at the 2023 NSU Invitational.
 
The Spartans honored 10 student-athletes from the women's track and field program for Senior Day: Faith Jemutai, Shonte Seale, Destiny Hooks, Zion Smith, Jada Venters, Shirelle Linzy, De'Niya Gravely, Tynniesia Wilson, Arieana Parker, and Indya Richards.
 
Kimaiyo got the Spartans off to a terrific start in the morning, dominating the 1500 meters in 4:43.18 for a new personal record. She finished over nine seconds ahead of Coppin State runner-up Jahmei Wyatt.
 
Brooklyn Robinson also got in the win column, completing the 100 meter hurdles in 14.09 seconds, a new personal record for the freshman. Richards finished third at 14.49 seconds.
 
Robinson completed her standout day with a positive showing in her first collegiate long jump appearance, finishing sixth with a leap of 17 feet, 0.425 inches. The rookies led Norfolk State in the event, with freshman Tamesia Pinnix finishing seventh (17-1.5).
 
Hooks and D'Nysha Brightful shined in the pole vault, earning second and third, respectively, both  clearing a height of 9-6.25.
 
Gravely enjoyed a productive afternoon in both track and field events on her senior day. She earned top-ten finishes in the high jump (4-9.75), 100 meters (12.01), and triple jump. She also combined with Richards, Pinnix, and Robinson to earn third place in the 4x100 meter relay.
 
Parker and sophomore Leslie Young put together a strong day in the throws, starting with the hammer, where Parker took fourth (156-2) and Young took sixth (144-4). Young finished the evening with a third-place javelin throw of 121 feet, a new personal record.
 
Seale led the Spartans in the high jump, taking sixth by clearing five feet, 1.75 inches. Freshman Essence Shaw followed closely behind, clearing four feet, 9.75 inches for eighth.