April 11, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Samford University junior high jumper Laura Malnati was named Ohio Valley Conference Female Field Athlete of the Week, following her performance over the weekend at the nationally prominent Texas Relays.

Malnati tied her own school record in high jump with a leap of 5'07.00" to tie for 10th in her flight at the Texas Relays. She just missed the NCAA Regional qualifying mark of 5'08.75." Malnati's high jump mark is first on the OVC best list this year.

Malnati originally set the school record of 5'07.00'' in 2005. This outdoor season reached that height on March 4 at the FSU Snowbird Invitational.

This marks the second time Malnati has received this honor. She was named OVC Female Field Athlete of the Week during the indoor track and field season on February 14, after jumping 5'06.00'' at the Clemson Tiger Invitational.

Malnati and the Bulldogs return to action on April 15, when they head to Starkville, Miss., for the Jace Lacoste Invitational, hosted by Mississippi State.