Saunders’ progression into a top-tier high jumper reached a new height this past weekend. In her final tune-up for the upcoming NEC Indoor Championships, the second-year Blue Devil set a personal best by clearing 1.78m (5’ 10”) while competing in the “Championship Division” at the NYC Armory Collegiate Invitational. Only Vanderbilt’s Brionne Williams and South Carolina’s Jeanelle Scheper jumped higher at the meet. Saunders’ latest performance pushes the sophomore into a tie for first place on the NEC leader board with defending conference champion Rachel Watkins (Monmouth). After topping out at 1.75m (5’ 8.75”) during each of her previous two outings (UAlbany Great Dane Classic, Boston University Terrier Classic), Saunders finally became only one of 38 NCAA Division I high jumpers to clear 5 feet, 10 inches (1.78m) this season.