MANKATO, Minn. – Senior Denisha Cartwright tied the all-time NCAA Division II indoor record in the 60 meter hurdles Friday with a scorching time of 8.05 seconds at the Maverick Premier #1 inside Myers Field House. The senior tied Indira Spence (Adams State) who set the record (at altitude) in 2010. With Friday's performance, Cartwright owns three of the top five 60 meter hurdle times all-time in Division II.
 
As a team, the Mavericks took first place (173.5) ahead of Sioux Falls (82.5), Azusa Pacific (81.5), Minnesota Duluth (77), Cal Poly Pomona (39), Gustavus Adolphus (25), San Marcos (15.5), Emporia State (8), Northern Michigan (8), St. Cloud State (3), and Concordia St. Paul (1).
 
"Our team is turning a corner with a strong performance at Maverick Premier #1 today," said head coach Mike Turgeon. "Denisha continues to demonstrate why she is one of the best Division II track and field athletes of all time with her 60 meter hurdles performance today. Our distance medley relay also ran the third-fastest time in school history. We are looking forward to a strong showing on Saturday with our women's 4x400m going after national marks."
 
In 60 meter hurdles this season, Cartwright owns each of the top-five times in Division II. She also holds the best time in NCAA Division II the 300 meter dash, second best time in the 60 meter dash and third best time in the 200 meters.
 
Her incredible results have earned the Nassau, Bahamas native four selections as NSIC Track Athlete of the Week in 2023-24.
 
Cartwright also won the 200 meter dash Friday with a time of 24.00, ahead of teammate Rose Cramer (24.74).
 
At the pole vault, junior Paige Hickson led the competition with a height of 4.00m (13' 1.50"). Junior Stella Neophytou took first place in triple jump (12.56m, 41' 2.50").
 
The throws group was led by senior Madeline Fretag, who won the weight throw event at 17.01m (55' 9.75").
 
Cassidy O'Mera, Miranda Lauvstad, Makayla Bishop and MaKenna Thurston ran to a winning distance medley relay time of 11:46.46 ahead of Northern Michigan, Sioux Falls and Cal Poly Pomona.
 
The Mavericks return to the track Saturday at the Maverick Premier #2 at Myers Field House. The NSIC Indoor Championships take place Feb. 23-24 in Mankato.