Hampton University sophomore Francena McCorory clocked the fastest collegiate 400-meter time in nation this season on Saturday, when she ran 51.54 seconds to win the event at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference track and field meet in Baltimore.

According to the TrackShark.com, an Internet site that follows collegiate times daily, McCorory's time surpasses the previous best this season of 51.89, run by Southern Cal's Carol Rodriguez two weeks ago.

McCorory came back to run a 53-second leg on the winning 1,600-meter relay. The Pirates edged Maryland-Eastern Shore 123-118 for the championship.

McCorory, the former Bethel High standout, has run sparingly since being sidelined by a hamstring injury 15 months ago. Her return to competition was delayed by injuries suffered in a car accident in December.