BIRMINGHAM – Hailey Tucker and Savannah Yates each set program records on Saturday as Jax State closed out its stay at the UAB Spring Invitational on Saturday. Tucker's time in the 400m hurdles is not only the best time in school history, but sets a new facility record at UAB.

"It was a great day for the team," said Jax State head coach Jeremy Provence, "We are continuing to see progress across all events."

Tucker's first place event finish in the 400m hurdles was one of the highlights of the day for Jax State, setting a new program record with a 58.93 time. Yates also set a new program mark on Saturday, clearing a height of 4.05m in the pole vault and earning second in the event.

"Congratulations to Hailey and Savannah on their school records. Historically, their marks would be good enough to make the NCAA First Round, but time will tell if that's the case this year."

Behind Yates, Kayley Stanley took home third in the pole vault while Lennon Ibsen earned fourth.

Nikki Peters performed well in the sprints for Jax State, placing second in the 100m (12.06) and fourth in the 200m (24.55).

After being crucial pieces for Jax State in the indoor season, Bethelhem Manzano Jimeno and Chidinma Margaretmary Agu each dazzled in Birmingham, placing first in the 800m and second in the 400m respectively.

"In many of the track events, we focused on competing for the win and I believe we did a great job of doing just that," said Provence, "With several top five finishes including a few event wins that highlight the success."

As a team, Jax State had 20 top five finishes as a team, including three additional top five performances in team relays.

Emily Coddington helped the Gamecocks in the 1500m, placing third with a 4:43.34 time while freshmen Linda Grundmann and Olivia King placed second and third respectively in the 5000m.

Cayla Johnson also earned a pair of top five finishes for herself, placing second in the long jump (5.51m) and fourth in the shot put (12.10m). Sky White placed fourth in the long jump, two spots behind Johnson.

Just one day removed from a third-place finish in the Javelin throw, Jadyn Bonds earned another top three placement, this time in the high jump, clearing a height of 1.63m.
 
Yesterday, Bonds' distance of 39.93m on her javelin throw served as the 10th best mark in program history, earning her a new personal best while Maxima Majer took home first in the 3000m with a 10:30.92 finish.

The Gamecocks also saw some team success in the event, with the "A" and "B" teams clocking a fourth and fifth place finish in the 4x100m relay respectively while the 4x400m team placed fourth.

Jax State continues its outdoor season next weekend at the Joe Walker Invitational hosted by Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. on April 4-5.