VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Norfolk State Spartans women turned in a productive opening day at the MEAC Indoor Championships on Sunday at the Virginia Beach Sports Center, earning several podium finishes and sending multiple athletes to Monday's finals.
 
Norfolk State holds second place after the opening day with 42 points. Howard leads the championships with 57 points, followed by Morgan State in third with 30. Delaware State and North Carolina Central share fourth place with 20 points apiece.
 
Sonia Koech led the Spartans on the track, capturing a silver medal in the 3,000 meters with a time of 10:11.69. Essence Shaw added another medal for Norfolk State, finishing third in the pentathlon with 3,281 points to earn bronze.
 
Norfolk State also picked up a bronze medal in the distance medley relay, as the quartet of Moamiky Kenneh, Payton Drumwright, Dannielle King, and Koech crossed the line in 11:46.80.
 
The Spartans dominated the long jump, with Yowome Ayim claiming gold after recording a mark of 5.83 meters. Brooklyn Robinson followed closely behind, securing silver with a leap of 5.73 meters.
 
Several Norfolk State athletes advanced to event finals following strong preliminary performances. Robinson qualified for the 60-meter hurdles final after winning the prelims in 8.30 seconds. Jada Arrington advanced in the 400 meters with a qualifying time of 56.72.
 
In the sprints, Asiah Wike earned a spot in the 60-meter final by placing third in prelims with a time of 7.52, while Robinson also qualified in the event (7.48 – seventh place). Autumn Burrell advanced to the 200-meter final after posting a time of 24.47 in prelims.
 
Norfolk State returns to action Monday as the Spartans look to build on their momentum and add to their medal total on the final day of competition.

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Name	Yr	Event	Place	Time/Mark	Notes
Sonia Koech		3,000 meters	2nd	10:11.69	Finals | Silver Medal
Abigael Chebet		3,000 meters	5th	10:44.81	Finals
Amira Dailey		3,000 meters	9th	10:53.35	Finals
Essence Shaw		Pentathlon	3rd	3,281 points	Finals | Bronze Medal
Daena Dyer		Pentathlon	9th	2,637 points	Finals
Brooklyn Robinson		60 meter hurdles	1st	8.30	Prelims | Qualified for finals
Daena Dyer		60 meter Hurdles	10th	8.98	Prelims
Jada Arrington		400 meters	5th	56.72	Prelims | Qualified for finals
Payton Drumwright		400 meters	12th	57.83	Prelims
Janaisa Dearry		400 meters	17th	59.21	Prelims
Asiah Wike		60 meters	3rd	7.52	Prelims | Qualified for finals
Brooklyn Robinson		60 meters	7th	7.48	Prelims | Qualified for finals
Autumn Burrell		60 meters	10th	7.59	Prelims
Brandy Hall		60 meters	16th	7.72	Prelims
Autumn Burrell		200 meters	7th	24.47	Prelims | Qualified for finals
Asiah Wike		200 meters	15th	25.09	Prelims
Kenneh, Drumwright, King, Koech		DMR	3rd	11:46.80	Finals | Bronze Medal
Kaena Riley		Weight Throw	10th	13.16 meters	Finals
Amanti Mayes		Weight Throw	11th	13.00 meters	Finals
Kayla Spencer		Weight Throw	15th	9.74 meters	Finals
Yowome Ayim		Long Jump	1st	5.83 meters	Finals | Gold Medal
Brooklyn Robinson		Long Jump	2nd	5.73 meters	Finals | Silver Medal
Malye Hawes		Long Jump	12th	5.28 meters	Finals