New Year, New Record: Watson Leads Strong Showing at UNCA Collegiate Opener

 MILL SPRING, NC- Competing in the second meet of the indoor season and the first meet of the new year, the women's track & field team turned in a strong showing at the UNCA Collegiate Opener, highlighted by a program record and multiple top-eight finishes.

Sydney Watson delivered a historic performance in the 300 meters, breaking the program's indoor record with a time of 40.71. Watson eclipsed the previous mark of 42.89, set by Angel Gale, by more than two seconds.

In the middle distances, Amelia Artz placed fifth in the women's 800 meters, crossing the line in 2:21.05.

Patience Lisbon competed in multiple events for the Cobras, finishing seventh in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 9.26 and adding an eighth-place finish in the 200 meters at 25.97.

The meet served as an important early-season benchmark as the women continued to build momentum heading deeper into the indoor schedule. 

Quotes and Notes:

"This was an excellent meet to assess our progress immediately after winter break. Achieving a school record, an event win, and several top-eight performances has boosted the group's confidence as we head into the midpoint of the indoor season."- Head Coach Eugene Galloway

The strong performances at the UNCA Collegiate Opener provided valuable momentum as the Cobras continue to sharpen their competitive edge early in the indoor season. With a win, multiple podium finishes, and depth across the sprint and middle-distance events, the men will look to carry that energy into their next invitational on January 17 at Mondo College.