Notable USC wins for track and field program during meet loss to UCLA

UCLA managed to best USC at Drake Stadium during the dual meet on the day. Even so, there were a number of standout Trojan performances that showed how well-rounded and talented both squads are on Sunday. This was particularly the case in events that fans of the track and field program are used to watching the Cardinal and Gold dominate.

Sunday's meet featured athletes from the rival schools directly competing against each other. The men's team ended up losing by a point, while the women's side fell short by 19 points. It was still an overall good showing from the program as a whole, however.

The sprinters and relay team, in particular, had a strong day. Olivia Pace, Dajaz DeFrand, Christine Mallard, and Brianna Selby ran the eighth-best women's 4x100m relay time in school history for the win. Samirah Moody came in first during the women's 100m race. She was followed by fellow Trojan Jassani Carter, who came in second. 

Jazonte Levan, JC Stevenson, Taylor Banks, and Jaelen Knox ran an unopposed 4x100m relay. Stevenson placed first during the men's 100m sprint, with Travis Williams coming in second.

The men's 200m dash had Max Thomas finishing in first place. USC sprinters Williams and Jacob Andrews rounded out the top three in the event. Brithton Senior won the men's 110m hurdles.   

In the women's 400m event, Madison Whyte crossed the finish line ahead of her teammate Yemi John. The men's race at the same distance saw Garrett Kaalund, William Jones, and Andrews round out first, second, and third, respectively.

Expanding distances, Nathan Cumberbatch came out in front during the men's 800m race. The men's 4x400m relay featured Williams, Andrews, Knox, and Kaalund in their over two-second win over the Bruins' four. The women's 4x400m team featured Takiya Cenci, John, Mallard, and Whyte as they set a meet record through their efforts. Cumberbatch started off the day with a victory in the men's 1500m run.

Field events that went USC's way at Drake Stadium

In the field portion of the meet, Ashley Erasmus won in the women's shot put. The women's discus throw saw the Trojans sweep, with Reese Garland winning the event and Karyssa Owens coming in second, followed by Erasmus rounding out the top three.

Shaiquan Dunn earned the win, and Preston Beery came in second during the men's shot put. Jada Foreman came in first during the women's triple jump. Lauren Reed finished second in the event. Jaren Holmes had a first-place finish during the men's triple jump. Elias Gerald grabbed the victory in the men's high jump.

For many USC athletes, it was a positive outing and should serve the Trojans' track and field program well as they now gear up for the Big Ten Championships that start on May 16th in Oregon.