BEXLEY, Ohio—Franciscan University of Steubenville's track and field team headed to their first competition of the season on Saturday, taking part in the Rick Meindl Last Call indoor track competition at Capital University. Showing a promising start for this spring, the Lady Barons finished sixth out of 14 teams with 38 points and the Barons placed 11th out of 16 with 19 points.

"Three weeks ago, I looked ahead at our schedule and focused on the indoor meet that we were preparing to participate in," said head coach Vince Oliver. "I questioned myself and the decision that I had made to send our team not just there, but anywhere, so soon in our training season." This meet at Capital University marked a quicker start to Franciscan's official competitive season than in years past, a sometimes risky decision since the team has less time to train.

"But to say the least, I had nothing to worry about!" said Oliver. He also noted that the meet turned out to be a good starting point for the rest of the season.

Stand out performances for the Lady Barons were seen in the 800 meter race, where sophomore Jane Crosby ran a 2:33.88, placing fifth overall; senior Kailey Gotta placed second in the mile run with a time of 5:40.45 and first overall in the 3 kilometer run with a time of 11:16.48; and sophomore Katherine Manion placed third in the 5K with a time of 19:50.25. The distance medley team placed third with a time of 14:39.32.

The Barons also earned some outstanding times for their first meet of the season. Freshman Peter Schreck placed sixth overall in the 1K run with a time of 2:52.64. In the mile run, with a time of 4:33.44, Bill Jones placed fourth overall. Kevin LeRoy placed sixth overall in the 5K with a time of 16:34.01, and the men's distance medley team placed second.

The track and field team head to the Bill Van Horne Invitational in Wheeling, W. Va., on Saturday, March 26, for its next meet.