The reigning NEC Indoor hurdles champion needed only one performance to reclaim the league lead in her signature event. Contesting the 60m hurdles for the first time this season, McDonald crossed the line in 8.81 at the 2018 Great Dane Invitational. In addition to landing her atop the NEC leader board, the 60m hurdles time automatically qualifies the veteran Blackbird for the ECAC Championships in March. McDonald also trimmed nearly one full second off the season-opening 400m time that she recorded in early December. Her first performance in the New Year moved the Jamaican-born Blackbird into second place amongst NEC leaders.