Brianna Lyston leads Jamaican charge into NCAA finals

Five of Jamaica’s top female collegiate sprinters advanced to the finals of their respective events at the NCAA Division 1 Indoor Track and Field Championships at Virginia Beach Sports Center in Virginia Beach.

Defending NCAA 60m champion Brianna Lyston of Louisiana State University progressed to her second consecutive final, clocking 7.17 seconds to finish tied for fifth-fastest overall with Samirah Moody of the University of Southern California. Lyston, who was runner-up at the recent SEC Championships, will defend her title on Saturday against a strong field led by Georgia’s Kaila Jackson, the top qualifier in 7.11 seconds.

Florida State University’s Shenese Walker also secured a spot in the 60m final, finishing eighth overall in 7.18 seconds.

Clemson University’s Oneka Wilson advanced to the women’s 60m hurdles final after clocking 7.99 seconds, the third-fastest qualifying time. Wilson, who narrowly missed last year’s final, will face Texas A&M’s Jaiya Covington (7.94) and Oregon’s Aaliyah McCormick (7.97), the two fastest qualifiers.

Niesha Burgher of the University of Texas at El Paso reached the 200m final with a time of 22.91 seconds, ranking sixth overall. Texas Christian University’s Indya Mayberry led the qualifiers in 22.50 seconds, though Burgher, who has a season-best of 22.39, is expected to challenge for a podium spot.

Georgia’s Dejanea Oakley secured a place in the 400m final, finishing as the seventh-fastest qualifier in 51.85 seconds. Auburn’s Vimbayi Maisvorewa led all qualifiers in 51.51 seconds.

The finals are set for Saturday.