BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Louisiana Tech men's indoor track and field team placed 6th, while the women's team finished 11th at the Conference USA Indoor Track and Field Championships over the weekend from the Birmingham Crossplex.

Final Results & Standings

On the final day of action, Tech was paced by Murphy Bavinga, who climbed the medal stand, finishing third in the men's triple jump, while picking up six points for his squad. Bavinga posted a mark of 14.83m (48'-8.00") in the event - his second longest mark in a competition this season. 

"We saw some really good efforts from our teams all weekend," said Tech head coach Gary Stanley. "The women finished 11th compared to last year's 13th, while the men placed 6th. We aren't where we want to be yet, but we are definitely getting there. We beat out some good programs this weekend. Murphy's third place was a nice effort in the triple jump. I was really impressed with the new coaches' energy level and enthusiasm."

On the women's side, Sydney Anderson highlighted Sunday's action with a sixth-place finish in the high jump with a mark of 1.70m (5'-7.00"). 

In the fional events of the weekend, the Tech women's 4x400m relay team of  Jada Branch, Taylor Shaw, Ma'asa Gay and Makayla Edwards finished 7th with a tim e of 3:50.44, while on the men's side, Seth Boullion, Chris Robinson, Tre Williams and Edjim Beaver placed 5th at 3:14.99 in the men's 4x400 relay.

Day 1 Recap
Spearheading the efforts on the men's field side was star jumper Denzel Harper, who ran away with the long jump title after leaping 7.56m (24'-9.75"), besting second place by more than six inches. Meanwhile, teammate Colin Butler placed third in the event with his jump of 7.14m (23'-5.25"). The duo combined to score 16 crucial points for the Tech men on day one. 

Joining the two other Bulldogs on the podium was Maurice Moore, who set a new personal record in the weight throw at 18.81m (61'-8.50") - good for third place and six points in the event. 

The men's distance medley relay saw Tech's Mason Melancon, Mason Youberg, Austin Ballow and Connor Killian finish 5th with a time of 10:17.88.

Murray was impressive in the women's pentathlon finishing eighth in the 60m hurdles (9.22), sixth in the 800m run (2:32.43), second in the high jump (1.64m), 12th in the long jump (4.92m) and eighth in the shot put (9.62m) - good for sixth overall and three points for the Lady Techsters.

The 2020 NCAA Indoor Championships are set for March 13-14 for qualifying individuals.

Following the completion of the indoor season, the two squads will take time to rest and prepare for the outdoor season beginning in just under a month on March 20 at the Roadrunner Invitational in San Antonio, Texas.

For complete coverage of Louisiana Tech Track and Field, please follow @LATechTFXC on Twitter or visit the official home of Louisiana Tech Athletics at LATechSports.com.