Feb. 24, 2006

Results

NASHVILLE, Tenn. ---- Samford University high jumper Laura Malnati led the Bulldogs on Friday at the 2006 Ohio Valley Conference Championships, hosted by Tennessee State University. Malnati won the high jump competition, earning All-OVC honors and setting a school record in the process.

Malnati jumped a height of 5'08 ½'' to win the title and score 10 points for the Bulldogs. The leap better Malnati's own school record of 5'06.00''. The Samford women are currently in sixth place with a total of 18 points.

"I was very pleased with the way the day went," said Samford head coach Glenn McWaters. "I was extremely excited for Laura. She's been flirting with 5'08'' for a while this year. I'm really happy with the way the kids are progressing. Everyone is getting better. Hopefully we'll have another good day tomorrow."

The women's distance medley relay team of Robyn DeBenedet, Mary Nunnally, Jessica Brewer and Michelle Brewer claimed third place with a time of 12:23.01. The Samford foursome received all-conference honors and scored six points for the Bulldogs.

Connie Heiskell provided the Samford women with an additional two points, following her seventh place finish in the 5,000 meters. Additionally, Kady Decker and Ashley Flowers each qualified for the finals of the 400-meter dash, while April Howell, Daphne Anderson, Ciara Floyd and Lakeita Rox all qualified for the 55-meter hurdles finals.

The Bulldog men are currently in fifth place, with a total of 14 points. 2005 Cross Country Freshman of the Year Cameron Bean led the Bulldogs with a third place performance in the 5000-meter run. Bean ran a 15:19.83 and received All-OVC honors for his performance.

Additionally, Drew Anderwald finished fifth in the 5000 meters, scoring four points, with a time of 15:24.98. The distance medley relay team finished fifth, scoring another four points and turning in a time of 10:40.89.

Cortland Finnegan qualified for the 55-meter dash finals. Finnegan ran a 6.46, just 0.01 seconds off the top time. Michael Smith will also compete in the 55-meter hurdles finals on Saturday.

Currently the Southeast Missouri State women and the Eastern Illinois men lead the fields. Southeast Missouri State scored 41 points, while Eastern Illinois turned in 67.50 points.

The Ohio Valley Conference Championships resumes on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10:00 a.m. Results will be posted at www.ovcsports.com following the conclusion of the last event.