Feb. 21, 2013

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Thea LaFond struck gold on Thursday as she won first place in the pentathlon on opening day of the 2013 Atlantic Coast Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships.

LaFond's total score of 4,111 won the event and is higher than any ACC competitor has scored this season. Her score also gives her the second best mark in Maryland indoor track and field history. LaFond is the first Maryland athlete to win an indoor title since Kiani Profit won the pentathlon in 2011.

LaFond started off the day with first place finishes in both the 60-meter hurdles (8.70) and the high jump (5-10.75). Her successful start was followed by a third place finish in the long jump (5.72m) and a second place finish in the shot put (10.76m). Her strong performances gave her a 231-point lead going into the final event. LaFond sealed her gold medal in the 800-meter run, crossing the finish line at 2:20.63.

The Championships continue through the weekend. Led by LaFond's stellar performance, Maryland is in second place after opening day.