The LSU track team improved times and jumps and set personal records at the Tyson Invitational meet while preparing for the Southeastern Conference Championship meet in two weeks.

Senior sprinter Kimberlyn Duncan finished second in the 200-meter run behind the University of Central Florida’s Aurieyall Scott. Although Duncan set a personal record with her time, this is her first collegiate loss in the race since a third place finish on February 5, 2011.

Senior Takeia Pinckney had a third-place finish in the 60-meter dash and landed a spot in the NCAA’s top 5 times for the race. LSU coach Dennis Shaver said he was satisfied with the results on the women’s side. 

“Our women turned in some really strong performances that will help our team when we come back in a few weeks for the NCAA Championships,” Shaver said. “…We’ve done about all we can do to this point to give ourselves an opportunity to compete in the postseason.”

Junior thrower Denise Hinton won the weight throw by nearly three feet and finished one inch away of breaking her own school record. Junior jumper Lynnika Pitts set a personal record and finished runner-up in the triple jump. Pitts said her focus this season is to continuously improve and contribute to the team.

“That’s been my main thing this year, just working on being consistent and having good series,” Pitts said. “I knew I had to get something done. Everybody else has been pulling their weight this year, and I knew it had to be my turn today.”

The women’s 1,600 meter relay team of Duncan, senior sprinter Siedda Herbert, sophomore sprinter Montenae Roye-Speight and junior middle-distance runner Natoya Goule placed third behind Arkansas and Texas.

Senior jumper Damar Forbes competed and won the long jump for the second weekend in a row owns the NCAA’s third-best time in the event. 

Next week, the LSU track team host the LSU Twilight Meet and rest until the SEC Championship meet. 

“Next week is an important week when we go back home as it will give a number of our athletes a chance to rest up and come back here in two weeks ready to compete for a championship,” Shaver said.