Senior co-captain Tiffany Ofili stood at the start of the 100-meter hurdles as the only collegiate athlete competing in the event final Saturday at the 100th Drake Relays.

But she wasn't intimidated.

Last year at the 2008 US Olympic Trials, Ofili failed to make the final in the 100-meter hurdles by the narrowest of margins — four thousandths of a second. The experience gave her confidence that she could compete with not only the nation's best but the world's finest.

In the preliminaries of the Trials, Ofili competed against eventual winner Lolo Jones, considered by most to be the world's best 100-meter hurdler.

Jones, a Des Moines native, grew up only a few miles from Drake Stadium where the event was held and was the heavy favorite heading into Saturday's race.

A strong start out of the blocks made the difference. Ofili stretched across the finish line first (12.82) just ahead of Yvette Lewis (12.85).

But it was Jones's performance that captured the attention of the crowd.

Dressed in a white and black tuxedo-like running top, black cuffs, a bow tie and black shades, Jones hit the eighth hurdle before coming to a complete stop. Jones said that it was a hamstring injury that caused her to hit the hurdle.

At the time of the incident, Ofili held a slight lead over Jones.

Ofili has yet to lose in her signature event — the 100-meter hurdles — this season. The victory should propel her to another NCAA championship in the event.

"Hopefully, this will give me some momentum for the rest of the season," Ofili said in an interview with The Des Moines Register. "To finish up my college career to the best of my ability."

Other Wolverines shared Ofili's success. Redshirt junior Christina Solomon earned a victory in the high jump and sophomore Emily Pendleton placed first in the discus throw to lead Michigan in the field events.

While the Drake Relays hosted the best sprinters in the nation, the 115th Penn Relays showcased the best distance runners in the country.

In the Olympic Development one-mile run, Wolverine senior co-captain Geena Gall crossed the finish line first (4:43.34), ahead of New Balance runner Maureen McCandless (4:43.51).

Gall wasn't the only Wolverine to shine at the Penn Relays. Sophomore Danielle Tauro earned top honors in the the college division of the 3,000-meter run (9.33.18).

Michigan flashed its muscle in front of the nation's best, and it wasn't intimidated.