April 24, 2013
PHILADEPHIA, Pa. - Junior Brittney Howell (Wyncote, Pa.) mounted a solid day-two effort, capturing top honors in the Penn Relays heptathlon, Wednesday at Franklin Field. The junior, who found herself out to a comfortable lead after Tuesday's day one events, bested the field with a season-best total of 5084 points - her second career trip over the 5000-point benchmark, and just nine points off her career-best 5093.
Howell opened day two in solid fashion, going 18-04.50 (5.60) in the long jump - the best effort in the field by nearly five inches, and worth 729 points. The junior was also stellar in the day's final event - the 800 meters - turning in a finishing time of 2:25.84 - a lifetime best by nearly two seconds.
Howell also make Nittany Lion history in the effort, becoming just the second Penn State woman to take top honors in the event at Penn, following Gayle Hunter's victory in 2007.
The Relays continue at 10:00 a.m., Thursday morning, and conclude on Saturday evening.
For more on Nittany Lion Track and Field at the Penn Relays, log on to www.GoPSUsports.com.