July 13, 2012

USC freshman Alexandra Collatz advanced to the finals in the women's discus throw at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Barcelona, Spain today (July 13).

Collatz placed second in her flight with a best throw of 172-5 (52.55m) behind Shanice Craft of Germany who had the top mark on the day of 182-11 (55.75m). Collatz' best throw was her first, but she followed that up with a throw of 171-6 and 168-8. She advances to Sunday's finals in sixth place.

Collatz had an outstanding first season at USC, placing sixth at the Pac-12 Championships and reaching the semifinals at the NCAA Championships where she placed 14th and was one of just two freshmen top-15 finishers. She also had the second-farthest discus throw in school history of 177-11 (54.24m) on April 7.