March 25, 2008

EASTON, Pa. - Freshman sprinter Janica Austin (Trenton, N.J./Trenton Central) and senior thrower Ashley Harbin (Clarksville, Tenn./Carthage Central (N.Y.)) picked up two of the first Patriot League awards of the outdoor season. The Leopards each had strong performances at the Shamrock Invitational, hosted by Coastal Carolina, on Mar. 21-22.

Austin began her first collegiate outdoor season by finishing fourth in the 100-meter hurdles and earning Patriot League Track Athlete of the Week. Her time of 14.09 broke a 24-year old school record, previously held by Sharon Lukenda. She now holds three Lafayette records, after setting records in the 60-meter hurdles and the 200-meter dash during the indoor season.

Harbin grabbed the Patriot League Field Athlete of the Week award by being the top collegiate finisher (second overall) in the hammer throw at the invitational. Her throw of 194' 9" hit the ECAC and NCAA Regional qualifying standards. She currently holds the Lafayette record in the hammer (198' 6"), which she set last season. Harbin has already participated in the NCAA Regionals twice before and will travel to Tallahassee, Fla. to compete in the East Region on May 30-31.

The Leopards will travel to East Stroudsburg on Saturday to compete in a meet with ESU, Kutztown, Moravian and Rider.