FROM STAFF REPORTS

College of Charleston freshman Dena O’Brien, a former standout cross country and track and field athlete at Pelham High School, set her third school record of her young collegiate career Feb. 5 as the Cougars’ women’s track and field team concluded competition in the New Balance Collegiate Invitational at the Armory Track and Field Center.

O’Brien, who was a two-time champion in the Shelby County cross country championship during her high school career, placed second overall in individual standings in the 5,000-meter race with a time of 17:13.11, besting the previous record of 17:23.29 set by former College of Charleston student-athlete Ashley Arnold in 2005.

The career achievement comes after O’Brien set the school record in the mile run during the Cougars’ first indoor track and field meet two weeks ago. O’Brien also set the 6,000-meter school record during the cross country season last fall.