WACO, Tex. - Highlighted by a record-breaking performance from Tessa Bray in the 200m, the Lynn University women's track team turned in a strong and well-rounded showing at the Baylor Invitational. Competing against a Division I field, the Fighting Knights posted a school record, multiple top finishes, and season-best marks across sprints, distance, hurdles, and relays as they continue to build momentum heading into the Sunshine State Conference Championships.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
100m
- Tessa Bray led the way for the Fighting Knights, finishing 22nd overall with a time of 12.60 while competing in Heat 4
- Tamryn Betts followed closely behind, crossing in 12.84 to place 23rd overall in the same heat
- Both Lynn sprinters battled through a strong headwind (-1.3 m/s) in Heat 4, making for more challenging sprint conditions
 
200m
- Bray delivered a record-breaking performance for the Fighting Knights, clocking a personal-best 25.11 to set a new Lynn program record while competing in Heat 6
- Bray's mark highlighted the day for the Blue and White, showcasing her continued development and speed in the sprint events
- Emma Smith followed with a time of 26.14, while Alijah Giustino crossed in 26.28 to round out Lynn's performances in the same heat
 
400m
- Alijah Giustino represented the Fighting Knights in the 400m, clocking a 1:01.54 to finish 15th overall while competing in Heat 3
- Giustino maintained a steady pace through the opening 200m and battled through the final stretch against a competitive field
 
800m
- Jessica Lombardo led the Fighting Knights with a time of 2:24.53, finishing fourth overall in the event
- Lombardo stayed competitive in the lead pack early and maintained her position through the final lap in a tactical race
- Annabelle Daley followed with a 2:28.16 to place sixth overall, giving Lynn a solid 1-2 showing in the middle-distance event
 
1500m
- Lombardo led the Fighting Knights with a time of 4:52.74, finishing ninth overall while competing in Heat 2
- She stayed competitive in a tightly packed field, pacing herself well over the final laps to secure a top-10 finish
- Daley followed closely behind, crossing in 4:58.36 to place 11th overall, giving Lynn a strong 1-2 showing in the event
 
100m Hurdles
- Mira Akan led the way for the Fighting Knights, clocking a season-best 15.30 to finish ninth overall while competing in Heat 2
- Akan showed steady rhythm over the hurdles and continued her progression in the event with her top time of the season
- Abigail Brown also represented Lynn, finishing 10th overall with a time of 16.65 in Heat 2
 
400m Hurdles
- Akan led the Fighting Knights, clocking a 1:09.46 to finish 12th overall while competing in Heat 2
- Akan maintained a steady rhythm through the hurdles and battled through the final stretch against a competitive field
- Brown followed with a time of 1:10.32, placing 13th overall and rounding out Lynn's performances in the event
 
4x100m Relay
- The Lynn quartet of Smith, Betts, Bray, and Giustino teamed up to run a 48.13, finishing fifth overall in a highly competitive field
- The Fighting Knights posted a season-best mark, moving to No. 86 in Division II this year
- Clean exchanges around the track helped the Blue and White put together a solid overall race from start to finish
 
4x400m Relay
- The Lynn 'A' relay team of Giustino, Bray, Lombardo, and Akan combined to run a 4:08.99, finishing fifth overall in the event
- The Fighting Knights delivered a steady performance across all four legs, competing in a Division I-heavy field
- Lynn's relay group continues to build chemistry and endurance as the Fighting Knights prepare for the Sunshine State Conference Championships
 
UP NEXT:
The Lynn track team now turns its focus to the postseason, with the Sunshine State Conference Championship set for April 24–25 just two weeks away.