FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV track & field opened its 2019 indoor season with victories in both the 60m and 60m hurdles at Northern Arizona's Friday Night Duals. Overall, the Rebels posted seven top-eight finishes at the Walkup Skydome.
 
The Rebels were led by wins from Destiny Smith-Barnett and Jada Hicks in the 60m and 60m hurdles, respectively. Smith-Barnett, a senior from Oakland, California, clocked a time of 7.21, which – to date – is the second fastest recorded in the world during the indoor season. Hicks, a freshman from Upland, California, registered a time of 8.34 – the third best in UNLV's all-time performance list – to claim the 60m hurdles.
 
Rounding out the top-eight finishers were Kaysha Love (second/7.40) and Emerald Bowens (eighth/7.62) in the 60m and Jasmyne Graham (second/8.44), Taylor Pegram (third/8.51) and Jaela Williams (sixth/8.61) in the 60m hurdles.
 
QUOTABLE: "It was a real solid performance for the short sprinters and hurdlers," said head coach Yvonne Wade. "Coach Larry Wade has been working hard with this group to get them to a place to not only be a strong force in our conference, but also in the nation. Giving them more opportunities to get race ready was the goal for this competition, and they did that very well."
 
RECORD BOOK: Entering Friday's indoor opener, Pegram (8.23), Graham (8.33) and Williams (8.43) were first, second and fifth, respectively, in UNLV's all-time indoor 60m hurdles performance list. Hicks' performance (8.34) in Flagstaff immediately moved her into the program's top five.
 
ALL-COMERS MEET: The UNLV track & field program will host two All-Comers Meets at Myron Partridge Stadium & Sheila Tarr-Smith Field, with the first event taking place Saturday. Participants (open to the public) can compete in the meets for $5 for one event or $10 for two or more. Spectators are $5. Action begins at 9:30 am with the shot put and concludes at 12:50 pm with the 4x400m relay. The second meet is slated for Feb. 16.
 
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