Rolland, Alexander qualify for nationals in season opener

Devinn Rolland
Hometown: Harvey, La.
High School: Cabrini
Photo Courtesy: JB Carter/XU Athletics 

CLINTON, Mississippi --  Xavier University of Louisiana produced two qualifiers for the NAIA National Championships -- Devinn Rolland in the women's long jump and Angelica Alexander in the women's high jump -- at the Mississippi College Opener track and field meet Saturday.

Rolland, a 2012 NAIA All-American in the long jump, won the event in 19 feet, 4 3/4 inches. Alexander cleared 5-6 in the high jump to finish second and qualify for nationals for the first time.

The national meet will be May 22-24 in Gulf Shores, Ala.

The Gold Nuggets also got victories from Catherine Fakler in the 1,500- (4 minutes, 47.69 seconds) and 5,000-meter runs (18:43.25) and Zahri Jackson in the 800 (2;21.94).

XU's Brent Kitto ran 4:06.60 in the men's 1,500 to finish second.

Xavier scored 95 points to finish second out of 13 schools in the women's division. Xavier scored 17 points in the men's division to place ninth out of 15 schools.

It was the first outdoor meet of the season for the Nuggets and Rush. Next meet for both teams will be the McNeese Cowboy Relays in Lake Charles, La., on March 15.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/xulagold