GENESEO, NY – The Alfred University women's track & field team completed the two-day SUNY Geneseo Early Season Invitational on Monday, after the meet had moved from a Friday-Saturday meet.
 
Anne Spila (Mechanicsburg, PA/Trinity) had the top finish of the day as she hit a personal best distance in the long jump, besting her previous mark (outdoor) of 4.63m (15'-2.25"), set during last year's Geneseo Invite. Her new distance is 5.44m (17'-10.25") not only claimed her second place, but she is now short of the Alfred University school record distance of 5.49m (18'-0.25") as it is the Saxons' oldest field record, currently held by Val Thompson '84, one of Alfred University's only National Champions (100-meter hurdles).
 
"We're just happy that we were outside and competing. Today was much better weather than yesterday and the energy was visible," Interim Head Coach Matt Phillips '10 said. "Our throwers showed great during both days, our distance runners fought the cold and wind yesterday to put up great times and our sprinters, hurdlers and jumpers capped off a great two-day meet. We're looking forward to the long span between competitions but will still get ready for Messiah with a good mixture of practice and rest."
 
Madison Palmer (East Aurora, NY/East Aurora) posted two top throws standings with a sixth place finish in the hammer throw, marking 43.57m (142'-11") on her second attempt. She started the day with a sixth place finish in the shot put, posting her best throw on her second attempt with a distance of 11.63m (38'-2").
 
On the track, Olivia Gilbert (Ontario, NY/Wayne Central) had the top finish with a seventh place time of 1:00.73 in the 400-meter dash as she chases down yet another Alfred University record. She already owns the AU indoor 400-meter record with a time of 1:01.37 and now is closing in on the outdoor record of 59.23, set by Jen Ares in 1998.
 
Among Empire 8 opponents, Lina Young (North Collins, NY/North Collins) battled with three St. John Fisher University runners, finishing right behind two of them with a time of 27.24, less than 0.40 seconds behind them. She also ran a 13.19 in the 100-meter dash, just behind Spila's time of 13.15. Both over half of the field of 46 runners. Bianca Durso (Utica, NY/New Hartford Senior) finished 16^th in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 17.54 to close out the top track performances.
 
The Saxons will next compete in Spila's hometown of Mechanicsburg, PA at Messiah University on Thursday, April 13 and 14 for the multis and Saturday, April 15 for the full meet.