Senior Jasmin Branch (Hampton, Va.) ran an 18:40.48 to finish second in the 5,000-meter run, while freshman Nichelle Harris (Rahway, N.J.) came in sixth with a 19:01.54 and freshman Devyn Thompson (Chicago, Ill.) ran a 19:39.76 to finish eighth.

Midway through the men's decathlon, junior Bennett Taylor (Seattle, Wash.) ranked fourth with 3,134 points. He won the high jump portion of the competition on Thursday, jumping 1.94 meters.

Sophomore Shaquanda Gainey (Camden, N.J.) was in fifth after the first day of the women's heptathlon with 2,500 points through four events. Gainey finished fifth in each of the first four events.

The Lady Pirates were in second in the team standings with 12 points after Thursday; South Carolina State led the way with 16 points. The Pirates had not completed a team event after the conclusion of Thursday's action, while Norfolk State led the way with 22 points on the men's side.

Follow along with the 2011 MEAC Outdoor Championships by visiting the official conference website at www.MEACsports.com. Friday's action will begin at 9 a.m. with the men's decathlon and women's heptathlon.

The first running event of the day will begin at 1:50 p.m. with the women's 100-meter hurdles semifinal.

For more information on Hampton University track & field, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.