A gold medal performance by Tya Blake and Diana Romero-Barba led the ETSU men’s and women’s track and field teams to five podium finishes on the opening day of the Flames Invitational at the Ray Conn Sports Complex.

Romero-Barba won her fourth gold medal, setting a personal best and meeting record with a vaulting height of 3.85 meters. Romero-Barba, who had already won at the 3.50, 3.60, and 3.80 meters, won the event by breaking her own record on her first attempt.

Blake recorded a season-best leap of 11.55 meters to win the triple jump for the second time in her career. Blake set a lifetime best in the 200 meters, finishing fifth, in addition to winning the triple jump. Gabby Walker finished right away behind Blake in second place in the 200m with a clocking of 25.80.

Photo of Tya Blake at the Flames Invitational. (Contributed/ETSU Athletics)

Malachi Thomas made his season debut and finished second in the high jump with a mark of 2.00 meters. Thomas started the day with a 1.90-meter clear and completed a 1.95-meter first jump with success. Thomas failed at the 2.00 m height on his first two tries, but succeeded on his third attempt, winning a silver medal. Cayden Douglas finished in fifth place with a 1.85-meter leap.

Additionally, Maya Murchison won silver in the women’s competition with a personal best leap of 1.65 meters. Murchison was the top collegiate contender in the event after clearing her leap on her first attempt.

The Bucs shined on day one of the Flames Invitational, with hopes to surpass their greatness on day two. Overall great performances all around from the Bucs.

To learn more, visit ETSUBucs.com.