NEW ORLEANS --- The Minnesota State women's track and field team has improved to fifth at checkpoint #3 of the USTFCCCA Division II outdoor track and field rankings.

The Mavericks are the highest rated NSIC team. West Texas A&M top the national rankings, with Pittsburg State following in second place.

Miranda Lauvstad ranks second in the long jump (6.25m, 20-6) and third in the heptathlon (5,671) in Division II, while Ghada Hamdani boasts the second best jump in the triple jump (12.85m, 42-2). Lilian Washington ranks fourth in the triple jump as well with a jump of 12.60m (41-4).

Minnesota State returns to action this Saturday at the Pitt State Tune Up in Pittsburg, Kan.