Dorsett, Watson Lead Eagles with Top-5 All-Time 400m Performances

Friday, March 20

Orlando, Fla.

10:30 AM

Georgia Southern University

Black and Gold Challenge

Georgia Southern athlete Yasmine Williams during the Georgia Showdown track meet at Bo Pitts Field on April 12, 2025 in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photograph by AJ Henderson / Georgia Southern Athletics)

Photo by: AJ Henderson / Georgia Southern

Dorsett, Watson Lead Eagles with Top-5 All-Time 400m Performances

3/21/2026 5:31:00 PM | Track & Field/XC

ORLANDO, FLA. – The Georgia Southern Eagles continued its strong showing at the Black & Gold Challenge on Day Two, highlighted by a pair of top-five all-time performances in the 400m and two podium finishes in the 1500m.

The Eagles' 400m group led the way, as Shatalya Dorsett turned in a standout performance with a 53.95 to finish second overall and move to No. 3 all-time in program history. NaJ Watson followed with a 54.81, securing a No. 4 all-time mark to give Georgia Southern two of its fastest performances ever in the event.

Jayla Lawrence added a career-best time of 58.91 in a competitive field, while Alanna Smith opened her outdoor season with a solid 55.32.

In the 100m dash, Emani George (12.78) and Myzhane Solomon (12.40) each posted competitive times against a deep field.

In the field events, Amara Thomas led the way in the high jump with a sixth-place finish, clearing 1.67m.

The Eagles also saw a strong collective effort in the triple jump, placing two athletes in the top 10.

Jailah Lee recorded a 12.32m mark to finish sixth, while Alexandria Kennedy followed in ninth with a 12.19m jump. Trinity Lavant (11.65m), Zhai Holmes (11.34m) and Julia Versluis (11.42m) rounded out a well-represented event for Georgia Southern.

The distance squad closed out the day with a strong showing in the 1500m, led by freshman Elizabeth Stamey, who claimed the event title with a time of 4:49.36. Veteran Tristen Crosby added a podium finish of her own, taking third with a 4:52.68, while freshman Hannah Douglas placed fifth in 4:54.87.

Lauren Voutour (4:54.97), Jessie Schroeder (4:57.52) and Katie Casto (5:03.52) rounded out a competitive field for the Eagles, capping another productive day in Orlando.