March 16, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Samford University's Laura Malnati completed day one of the heptathlon on Wednesday at the Alabama Relays, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The four-day meet kicked off on Wednesday with the multi-event competitions.

Through four events, Malnati is in eighth place with 2,537 points. The school record holder in the high jump finished second in that event, with a leap of 5'04 ¼'', earning 771 points. The junior finished eighth in the shot put, 10th in the 100-meter hurdles and 12th in the 200-meter dash.

Illinois State's Lauren Maul currently leads the field, with 3,314 points. Southern Mississippi's Ashley Reyer is in second, with 3,008 points, and Illinois State's Brittney Hourd rounds our the top three with 2,961 points.

The Alabama Relays continue on Friday, with the conclusion of the heptathlon. Malnati will compete in the long jump, javelin throw and 800 meters. Additionally, the women's 10,000-meter run is set to start at 4 p.m., on the Sam Baily Track on the University of Alabama campus.