MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State Women's Indoor Track and Field season kicked off Saturday with strong results in the Chuck Petersen Open at Myers Field House. The Mavericks took first place among six collegiate teams with 337 points. St. Olaf (71), Winona State (48), Bethany Lutheran College (22), Bemidji State (13) and Concordia St. Paul (4) followed.
 
"Our program had an outstanding opening meet," said head coach Mike Turgeon. "It is always great to see how all the training from this past fall comes together and all of our new track and field student-athletes performed.  2024 will be an exciting season for Maverick Track and Field."
 
Maverick sprinters took each of the top six positions in the 60 meter dash finals, including Makayla Jackson who turned in a first place time of 7.42 seconds.
 
Denisha Cartwright began her season with a first place showing in the 200 meter dash at 24.52 seconds. Cartwright also won the 60 meter hurdles at 8.19 seconds. Cartwright enters the year as the 60 meter hurdles Division II National Champion as well as defending NSIC indoor champion in both events. She was named NSIC preseason indoor track athlete of the year.
 
Elizabeth Schmidt won the 400 meter dash for the Mavericks with a time of 58.12 seconds.
 
In jumps, Lillian Washington highlighted MSU's three podium participants in high jump at 1.68m (5'6"). Ashley Cridlebaugh and Lauren Preiner placed second and third respectively. Paige Hickson won pole vault at a height of 3.85m (12' 7.5").
 
Molly Kahl landed in first place in long jump with a personal best mark at 5.91m (19' 4.75") and Flore Gracia topped the triple jump event at 12.72m.
 
Tierra Doss (Bemidji State) narrowly bested Madeline Fretag in shot put after Fretag's best attempt landed 13.60m (55' 4.25"). Fretag took first in weight throw with a toss of 16.87m (55' 4.25"). Mony Johnson, Aubri Brown and Lauren Bird, all Mavericks, rounded out the top four.
 
Minnesota State hosts the Bearson/Gathje Classic next on Friday, January 12 at Myers Field House.