BATON ROUGE – In her second meet as a Lady Demon, Claudasha Watson showcased what she can add to the Northwestern State women's sprint corps at Friday's LSU Bayou Bengal.
 
Watson was one of four NSU competitors to take part in the meet on what was supposed to be an open weekend for the NSU track and field teams.
 
A transfer from Louisiana Tech who was the third-place finisher at the 2021 Conference USA indoor meet, Watson finished fifth in the women's 60 meters, running progressively faster through each of the three rounds of competition that culminated with a 7.68 in the finals.
 
"I was not expecting that," associate head coach Adam Pennington said. "She dropped her times really quickly. Last week, she opened up with a 7.8, and to drop that much time in a week is a pretty big drop. She didn't have much of a fall practice, so to be doing what she's doing is a great sign."
 
Watson ran a 7.81 in the first round and was one of three runners to post a 7.72 in the second round to earn the last three spots in the finals. Watson was joined in the semifinals by teammate Aarika Lister, who ran a 7.78 in qualifying and followed that with a 7.86 in the semifinals, finishing 16^th overall.
 
"Aarika's in a great spot," Pennington said. "She had very little training in the fall at a high level, and she came out right away and ran a 7.7. I took so many more positives than negatives for her from today. What she's lacking is something we can fix."
 
Pole vaulter Karlyn Trahan was the lone NSU field representative, posting a season-best clearance of 11-9.75 to tie for sixth in the event.
 
Said Pennington: "She's coming along. She had a beautiful attempt where she cleared the bar by about six inches but didn't get rid of the pole in time. She's given herself a chance to get on the podium in conference."
 
In his season debut, Tre'Darius Carr clocked a 6.98 in the men's 60, missing a chance to advance by less than .01 second.
 
"He looked strong," Pennington said. "He's never really been a true 60-meter guy. He's definitely a 200-meter guy indoors. We were disappointed he missed out by a spot, but he looked good for not having any races this year."
 
Northwestern State will return to action in one week, making its second trip in three weeks to Lubbock, Texas, to take part in the two-day Texas Tech Shootout.