Consistent efforts throughout the indoor track season paid off for freshman pole vaulter Olivia Kalata, who finished fifth at the NJCAA Championship on Friday.
 
The La Grange native cleared 10 feet, 6 inches on her second attempt and that achievement held up against her competition, held at Lynchburg, Va.
 
"My focus was pretty strong this morning,'' she said. "I had to remind myself that today was no different than any other meet. I spent some time by myself to focus and visually seeing myself compete. That made a difference.''
 
Kalata had the fifth-best effort entering Friday with a personal record 10-8 ¼. "I really wanted to PR today, but in no way am I disappointed. Today was a good day.''
 
"Olivia performed well,'' head coach Robert Cervenka said. "She was composed and focused and it showed. She came in seeded fifth and finished fifth. Her effort at 10-6 was a no-doubter and she had two good attempts at 3.35 (10-11 ¾).''

Kalata's efforts garnered four team points, which allowed COD to finish 20th in the team standings.