MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Freshman Emma Townsend set a new school record in the 400m and broke into the top 10 in two other events to lead the College of Charleston track and field team at the Myrtle Beach Collegiate Challenge.

Townsend ran a 56.23 in the 400m to break Mary Zolga's 16-year-old school record. Townsend also moved into fourth place in the 100m (12.31) and seventh in the 200m (25.25). She qualified for the finals in the 100m and took second in the 400m.

Caroline Cassidy joined Townsend in the top 10 in the 400m and is now ninth with a time of 57.79. 

Madison Jent and Tonet Tallie tied for the top mark in the pole vault at 3.65m (11'11 ¾") with Jent taking the event win on misses. Charlotte Elliston and Boston Stringer both cleared 3.45m (11'3 ¾") to tie for seventh in the Cougar record book.

Two other jumpers joined the top 10 with Gabby David moving into seventh in the long jump (5.43m, 17'9 ¾"), and Kinsley Allen is now ninth in the triple jump (10.87m, 35'8"). Allen also went 1.68m (5'6") in the high jump to set a PR and keep her third in the record book.

Savannah Stoutt won the 2000m steeplechase (6:58.28) at Charleston Southern on Friday, and Aine Trapp captured the 3000m in Myrtle Beach (10:31.68). Abby Mogg was second in the 1500m (4:46.77).

The Cougars return to action next Saturday at the Weems Baskin Invitational in Columbia.