ATLANTA—The Georgia State women’s track and field team kicked off their season at the UAB Blazer Invitational, achieving impressive results. They secured two first-place finishes and had eight athletes finish in the top five.
Sessen Mahari dominated the 800-meter run, clocking in at 2:37.71. Zayna Fray also celebrated a victory in the weighted throw, reaching 19.32 meters.
The Lady Panthers showed strong depth, with Zariah Jacobs taking second in the 800-meter with a time of 2:38.65. Maya Anderson followed up with a solid performance in the 60-meter hurdles, earning second place in 8.46 seconds.
Laila Reeves delivered a commendable effort in the weighted throws, snagging third place with a mark of 15.44 meters. Jayla Kennedy also made her presence known by finishing third in the 60-meter sprint with a time of 7.46 seconds.
In the 400-meter event, Janiyah Alibey and Mia Brown rounded out the top five with times of 1:00.22 and 1:00.52. Kevell Byrd and Alonna Depalma also brought home fourth and fifth in the 300-meter, finishing in 39.72 and 39.83 seconds.
The 4 x 400 relay team, consisting of Alonna Depalma, Mia Brown, Kyla Ramey, and Nova Rhodes, claimed a fifth-place finish with a time of 4:00.83.
A few more highlights included:
- The 4 x 400 relay A team, made up of Tasheika Thompson, Janiyah Alibey, Destinee Frink, and Gabrielle Key, finished seventh in 4:07.18.
- Kyla Ramey placed seventh in the 500-meter with a time of 1:22.47.
- Destinee Frink earned seventh in the mile and eighth in the 3000-meter, with times of 5:19.57 and 10:41.71, respectively.
- Asia Bryant and Kinsley Williams finished eighth and ninth in the shot put, throwing 11.47 and 11.24 meters.
Historically, Georgia State has excelled in track and field, building a strong legacy over the years. As the competition evolves, stay tuned to see how these athletes continue to elevate their performances.
The Panthers will hit the track again on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Samford Open.
For more insights into collegiate athletics, you can check the NCAA’s official website here.
