MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State women's track and field cruised to early season top finishes Friday as they hosted four teams at the Bearson/Gathje Classic at Myers Field House.
 
It was the first meet for the Mavericks since the Chuck Petersen Open on December 7 and featured competition from Concordia-St. Paul, Winona State and Minnesota Duluth.
 
"It was great getting back into competition today," said director of track & field Mike Turgeon. "We were honored to have Lori Anderson (Bearson) in attendance, watching the meet named in her honor. Lori was a true pioneer for Maverick Track and Field. We saw the progress our team has made since December and welcomed new members who joined us this semester. We're excited to compete at the University of Iowa next weekend against some tough Big Ten competition."
 
Maverick sprinters took the top three spots in 60 meter finals with junior Antianna Walsh (7.82), junior Norah D'Almeida (7.85) and Arabella Knudson (7.88) sweeping the podium.
 
Senior Eilika Lane crossed the line first in the 200 meters with a time of 24.85 seconds (12^th in Division II), ahead of teammate Grace Obour (25.12).
 
Senior Robynn Rolle-Curry rolled to victory in the 400 meter event with a time of 56.04 (fifth in Division II). Senior Isabela Shepard topped the list in 600 meters with a time of 1:37.25.
 
In the 800 meters, senior Makayla Bishop crossed second in 2:24.39. Junior Madison Matzek was also second fastest in 3000 meters with a time of 10:22.42.
 
The Mavericks dominated the 60 meter hurdles with four quality times from senior Grace Johnson (1st, 8.50), sophomore Esaba Okwaramoi (2^nd, 8.55, fifth in Division II), senior Ally Hammond (3^rd, 8.64, ninth in Division II) and junior Ashanti Harvey (4^th, 8.70, 14^th in Division II).
 
Rolle-Curry, Lane, Shepard and Obour teamed to win the 4x400 meter relay with a time of 3:52.29 (11^th in Division II).
 
In the field, senior Olivia Solis led women's high jump at 1.62 meters (5'2.75"), the same mark as senior Ashley Cridlebaugh. Freshman Elvira Collvin took first in pole vault with a mark of 3.88 meters (12'8.75", 15^th in Division II). Lillian Washington posted a solid mark at 12.59 meters (41'3.75") in women's triple jump for first place. The mark was third in Division II behind only teammates Ghada Hamdani and Stella Neophytou, who posted marks at the Chuck Petersen Open in December.
 
Sophomore Aubri Brown had a strong showing in weight throw with a mark of 17.76 meters (58'3.25").
 
Miranda Lauvstad's mark of 5.94 meters in long jump was good for 10^th in Division II.
 
Minnesota State women's track and field is back in action Jan. 24-25 at the Larry Wieczorek Invitational, hosted by University of Iowa and the St. Olaf Invitational & Multi, hosted by St. Olaf.
 
The next home meet for the team is Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at the Mark Schuck Open & Multi.