CLEMSON, South Carolina -- Graduate jumper Courtney Lines captured first place in the Long Jump as the UNCW women's indoor track and field team made its season debut on Friday at the Clemson Opener at the Clemson University Indoor Track.

The Seahawks, who competed in the first of seven indoor meets on the 2023-24 docket, achieved eight different top 10 finishes, highlighted by Lines' long jump.

"One thing we wanted to see was effort and intent coming into this atmosphere, said Head Coach Jeff Klaves. "The team has been working hard this fall and we saw evidence of that with our performance. This performance provides us tremendous momentum as we continue to work over winter break and throughout the season.

Lines' long jump of 20-02.50 feet (currently the fifth-best mark in the NCAA) earner her first place, beating out Georgia Tech's Ameia Wilson by a quarter-inch.

"This is Courtney's best season-opening effort in her career," said Klaves."To have two jumps over 20 feet and being among the top five in the nation, we're just really proud of the work and dedication she has put into her training to get where she knows she can be."

The Leland, N.C., native also fashioned a personal record 5-05.25 score in the high jump. Lines was one of eight different personal records to be established by UNCW on Friday. Other Seahawks to author personal bests were sophomore Kaleigh Hudson, junior Janiyah Fields, sophomore Brylee Montanari, senior Rebekah Smith, junior Nasiah Ferguson and senior Mackenzie Townsend. 

"We believe we have a well-balanced team where anyone from freshman to seniors can have an impact," said Klaves. "That does not dictate the level of success a student-athlete can have as we're seeing a lot of underclassmen really accelerate their learning curve."

Smith equaled Lines' score in the high jump as both Seahawks earned a share of fourth place.

Fields turned in a 24.76 time in the 200 Meters race to place 10th overall in the event.

Ferguson's school-record 39.33 time in the 300 Meters was one of three Seahawks in the top in the event's top 30 finishers. Ferguson was joined by teammates Townsend (15th – 40.29) and Grace Guilford (19th – 41.33).

UNCW returns to action at the Brant Tolsma Invitational hosted by Liberty University on Jan. 18.

UNCW Results | Clemson Opener | Dec. 8, 2023
 

 
* Denotes Personal Indoor Record