Anthony Foster, Freelance Reporter

Edwin Allen's quartet (left to right) of Naffene Briscoe, Shawna Anderson, Gayon Evans and Kasia Jones hold up the Championship of America 4x100m shield after winning the event yesterday. - Anthony Foster Photo

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania:

Edwin Allen and Holm-wood Technical won Championship of America girls titles on yesterday's penulti-mate day of 114th Penn Relays here at the University of Pennsyl-vania, Franklin Field, Philadelphia.

Edwin Allen won their second straight 4x100m title, while Holmwood regained their 4x800m crown.

In the girls' Championship of America 4x100m, Edwin Allen retained their title in impressive style, winning in 44.79, the sixth fastest time ever at Penn Relays.

'Happy with win'

The team of Naffene Briscoe, Shawna Anderson, Gayon Evans and Kasia Jones carried the Frankfield-based school to the win over Vere (45.23) and Holmwood (45.49). St. Jago (46.67) and Convent of Mercy Academy, Alpha (47.55) were seventh and eighth, respectively.

"I think they did very well," said Michael Dyke, Edwin Allen's coach. "We came here today very confident. We had no doubt that we would have won and they went out and executed as expected and we are very happy with this victory."

St Andrew High for girls (46.98) won the Large Schools final, while Manchester took the Small Shools title.

In the girls' 4x800m, Holmwood Technical avenged last year's defeat with a well-executed victory. The quartet held off strong challenges from dethroned champions Eleanor Roosevelt of Maryland and Edwin Allen to win in 8:41.92, the second fastest time in Penn Relays history.

Salcia Slack, the only addition to last year's team, led off for Holmwood with 2:11.5, followed by Shontea McLean (2:10.8), Keno Heaven (2:10.6) and Bobby-Gaye Wilkins, who collected the baton in second, 2:09.0.

'Revenge'

Coach Dave Anderson described the victory as one of the best since he formed a relationship with the Christiana-based team over a decade ago.

"This is my 12th year and this was one of the most exciting (wins)," he said. "It's revenge, the school we lost to last year, we eventually beat them this time."

Heaven was also delighted.

"I am very happy that we came back this year and won. We made up our minds that we were going to take back the title because of the disappointments in 2007," she said.

"Last year, I was not this determined to win but this year, especially after the 2007 defeat, I came back very strong and with all the desire of winning," said a smiling McLean, who along with Heaven watched as their team-mates cried after last year's disappointment.

Meanwhile, Wilkins, in her final year, said she was not going to leave without taking back the title to Christiana.

"This is my final year and I did not intend to lose this one," she said.

Eleanor Roosevelt finished second in 8:43.12, while Edwin Allen with Ristananna Tracey (2:12.4), Shakeeri Cole (2:09.3), Mackola Joseph (2:11.1) and Nikita Tracey (2:12) came in third. Manchester High with Sharlene Brown (2:17.7), Niesha Morgan (2:13.7), Shana-Gaye Tracey (2:15), Natoya Goule (2:10.4) finished fourth in 8:56.78.

Edwin Allen's coach was satisfied with his team's position.

"I think they did extremely well. This is the first time we broke nine minutes this season, running 8:44.00, I could not ask for more."

Today's competitors

In the 4x400m final, Manchester (3:40.89), Holmwood (3:41.25), Edwin Allen (3:41.29) and Vere (3:51.05) finished second, third, fourth and eighth, respectively, behind Eleanor Roosevelt (3:37.16).

Meanwhile, in the boys' section, St Jago and Calabar will lead Jamaican schools in today's 4x100m final. Herbert Morrison and Camperdown are also in the Championship of America final.

Kingston College will not defend their Championship of Americas 4x800m title as they failed to qualify for the final. Manchester High, Calabar and Jamaica College will represent Jamaica in this final.