April 14, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford University track and field team heads to Starkville, Miss., on Saturday for the Jace Lacoste Invitational, hosted by Mississippi State at the W.O. Spencer Stadium/Carl Maddox Track on the MSU campus. Events are set to begin at 9 a.m.

The Bulldogs will see some familiar faces at the meet, as they'll compete against some in-state and Ohio Valley Conference rivals. In addition to Samford and Mississippi State, Mississippi College, Birmingham Southern, Tennessee-Martin, UAB, Bevill State Community College and Wallace State Community College will compete on Saturday.

A handful of Bulldogs competed at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, but the full team returns to action on Saturday.

Michael Smith looks to qualify in the 400-meter hurdles on Saturday, after just missing at the Texas Relays. The sophomore is a mere 0.09 seconds away from the NCAA Regional Qualifying mark.

Additionally, Laura Malnati will attempt to qualify in the high jump, after just missing in Texas. Malnati was awarded Ohio Valley Conference Athlete of the Week, after she tied her own school record at the Texas Relays.

Senior April Howell looks to qualify in two events. Howell is close to qualifying in both the triple jump and the 100-meter hurdles.

The Jace Lacoste Invitational is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Results will be posted following the conclusion of the meet at www.mstateathletics.com.