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Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
The Daily Pennsylvanian

Louisiana State looks to dominate sprint relays

Tigers figure to fare well in women's college competition

For most women's college teams competing in this weekend's Penn Relays, the prospect of winning one of the sprint relay events is extremely exciting.

But for the Louisiana State University women, it is not a question of winning one of these events, it is whether or not they will win all five.

Last year, the Tigers grabbed four of the sprint titles -- the 4x200-meter relay, 4x100m, sprint medley and shuttle hurdles medley.

This year, they are poised to defend last year's four titles, while also aiming at the elusive 4x400m for the sweep.

Still, LSU coach Pat Henry says that his team is focused solely on its effort this weekend.

"To win one is a tremendous accomplishment, and to think about winning four like we did last year -- you don't that way," he said. "You come into the meet and you try to do the best you can and what happens, happens.

"The goal is not to come in and win five relays by any means. It's simply to try and come in and do the best we can."

Last year, the 4x400m went to Texas.

The Longhorns will not be coming to the Penn Relays this year, however, due to a change of the date of the Big XII Championships.

LSU returns all of its runners from its championship 4x100m and 4x200m squads. Henry noted, however, that he might make some changes to his lineups.

"Who we put in that group could be different from last year, but we have a couple of people who can step up," he said.

But the Tigers also have several favorites in the individual competition.

Muna Lee will be going for her fourth consecutive victory in the 100-meter dash. Lee finished second in last year's NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Her toughest competition may be Miami's Lauryn Williams, who has the world's fastest time in the 100m this year -- 11.01.

Penn State's Connie Moore may also upset Lee, similar to how she upset Olympic champion Marion Jones this past weekend in California.

Another LSU individual expected to compete for a title is Lolo Jones, a 100-meter hurdler who finished third at last year's relays.

In field events, look for Georgia Tech's Chaunte Howard to defend her 2003 Penn Relays title in the high jump.

Howard won the NCAA indoors championship this winter and had an impressive 6 feet, 4 3/4 inch jump this past weekend at the ACC Championships.

Florida's Candice Scott could win two field events at Penn Relays.

She is the reigning NCAA and Penn Relays hammer champion and could also upset two-time defending shot put champion Laura Gerraughty of North Carolina.