BLACKSBURG, Va. - Sophomore Emily Smith (Rock Hill, S.C./Northwestern) reached a season-best height of 5'9¾" to place fifth in the high jump at the Virginia Tech Final Qualifier on Saturday.
"We went there to jump high and she jumped the highest she has all season," assistant track & field coach Chad Williams said. "She made some good attempts at 5'10¾", which would have been a lifetime-best mark for her. Overall, I think it was a great way to end the season."
Smith cleared the bar on her third attempt after already jumping 5'6" and 5'8". The top five finishers all capped out at 5'9¾" and were ranked in order of attempts. Michelle Theophille and Rachel Gehert of Louisville reached the mark on the first jump while Alabama's Krystle Schade and Auburn's Maya Pressley cleared the height on the second try.
Smith's height is just ¾" short of the NCAA Provisional mark and her school record. She finished ahead of conference foe Rebecca Hazeltine of Appalachian State and regional competition Linda Buchholz of Clemson.
College of Charleston track & field turns its focus to the outdoor season which will kick off on Mar. 12 as the team co-hosts the Palmetto Invitational with The Citadel.
