Dillard Women’s Track & Field Posts Strong Showing, Relay Takes Second

Hattiesburg, MS — The Dillard University women's track & field team delivered a competitive performance this weekend at the Southern Miss Invitational, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the 4x100-meter relay and multiple strong individual efforts across the track.

The Lady Bleu Devils' 4x100-meter relay team of Tori Burton, Mackenzie Cannon, Tatiana Clay, and Ta'nijal Matthews led the way with a second-place finish in 46.78s, one of the top relay performances of the season.

On the track, Tori Burton turned in an elite performance in the 200 meters, placing fourth overall in 24.60s, improving her standing to No. 12 in the NAIA rankings this season. Teammate T-Anna Dawkins also impressed, finishing ninth in 25.17s, continuing her climb in both NAIA and HBCU rankings.

In the 100 meters, Tatiana Clay led Dillard with a time of 12.29s, followed by Ta'nijal Matthews in 12.42s, a season-best that places her among the top NAIA performers. Freshman Karlise Davison added depth with a time of 12.92s.

The quarter-mile group saw freshman Lazariah Garner run 58.95s in the 400 meters, moving into NAIA Top 51, while Mackenzie Cannon posted a time of 1:02.24.

Over the hurdles, Raniyah Gross recorded a personal best 16.69s in the 100m hurdles and returned to set another personal best of 1:18.33 in the 400m hurdles. Trinity Marshall added a 16.52s performance in the 100m hurdles and competed in the long jump with a mark of 4.48m (14-8.5).

In distance events, Nhaydia Flowers stood out with a fourth-place finish in the 3000m steeplechase (14:33.61), moving into the Top 15 among HBCU competitors while also earning a personal best. She also competed in the 1500 meters, clocking 5:47.51.

The 800-meter group was led by Desiré Robinson, who posted a personal best of 2:36.50, followed by Caitlyn Gordon (2:37.79 SB) and Kennedy Timmons (2:53.34). Timmons also competed in the 1500 meters, finishing in 6:00.38.

In the field events, Shaloni Walker recorded a ninth-place finish in the triple jump (9.92m / 32-6.5).

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"This was a solid weekend for our women's program," said Coach Legania. "We're seeing continued growth, especially from our younger athletes, and we're trending in the right direction as we move deeper into the season."

-Bleu Devils-