Phillips Takes Off, Lands in 20th Place in Long Jump

Freshman Achieves Distance of 5.40 Meters on First Attempt

CLAREMONT, Calif. — Goucher's Destiny Phillips (Washington, D.C./Dunbar) finished in 20th place in the long jump today at the 2012 NCAA Division III Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

The freshman achieved a distance of 5.40 meters (17' 8 3/4") on her first attempt in the opening round, during which all 22 entrants could make up to three attempts. When she wasn't able to improve her distance on either of her next two attempts, Phillips essentially came up 14 inches shy of being one of the nine competitors to advance to the finals.

Skye Morrison from Wartburg, who was the top-seeded entrant in the competition, emerged as the Division III national champion in the long jump as she posted a distance of 6.26 meters (20' 6 1/2") on her first attempt in the opening round. Anita Rogers from Ramapo was the runner-up at 6.16 meters (20' 2 1/2").

Phillips went into the competition seeded No. 12 based on her effort of 5.78 meters (18' 11 3/4"), which she accomplished May 14 at the Tuppeny Twilight Last Chance Meet.