Terstappen Wins Vault at Penn

CLEMSON, S.C. — Philadelphia area native Lauren Terstappen won the women’s pole vault Thursday to begin Clemson’s three-day stint at the Penn Relays, the world’s oldest annual track & field competition. Terstappen is from Phoenixville, just a 45-minute drive from Franklin Field, site of the Penn Relays.

The redshirt graduate student was the only competitor to clear the bar at 13-5.25, and she did it on her first attempt to claim the championship. It was the second clearance of 13-5 or better this outdoor season for Clemson’s record-holder in the event.

In addition to Terstappen’s victory, fellow graduate Whitney Fountain was sixth in the women’s long jump after converting a season-best leap of 19-7.

Three women’s relays competed Thursday. The 4×100 and 4×400 groups qualified for championship finals. The 4×4 did it by outlasting LSU and Texas A&M in the third qualifying heat. The lineup consisted of Malayshia George, Nia Fluker, Deja Parrish and Natoya Goule. The 4×1 final is set for Friday and 4×4 will be held Saturday.

The Tiger teams return to action Friday for a full slate. Live results are available at ThePennRelays.com.