Jan. 9, 2008

KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State women's indoor track team will compete in its first meet of 2008 this weekend as they travel to the Joe Hilton Tar Heel Invitational at the Eddie Smith Field House in Chapel Hill, N.C.

This weekend will see the return of star distance specialist Erin Sutton to the roster. Sidelined by injury during the 2007 indoor season, she returned in the outdoor season to earn an All-Conference honors. Sutton is a favorite to place high this weekend in distance events. She will be joined by freshman Mackenzie Howe who makes her KSU indoor track debut.

Junior Shantela Davis is looked upon to have a break out meet this weekend. Davis will compete in the 60 meter dash. She will be joined by sprinters Sandi Brown and Jill Arthur who are also expected to have good performances at UNC.

The Owls also feature a strong core of mid-distance runners, including Kristen Gibson, Caitlin German and Soibhan Wolcott. These ladies will compete in the one mile race and mid-distance relays alongside KSU's sprint squad.

In field events, freshman thrower Jessica Lumpkin, is expected to continue on her record setting run that she began at the Clemson Opener last month where she set two new school records. Competing in the weight throw and the shot put she could easily break her own indoor records this weekend.

"Our ladies have come back from winter break prepared," said head coach Don McGarey. "The entire women's team is devoted to winning. They had a great first meet at Clemson and I think that they are going to have an even better performance on Saturday."

The Joe Hilton Tar Heel Invitational will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning and continue all day.