HOUGHTON, NY — The Alfred University women's track & field team kicked off its season at Houghton University on Friday night. 

"Definitely think the meet had a lot of energy, out the athletes competing and supporting their teammates," Coach Chris Boswell said. "Lots of great performances on the track with runners showing their ability to compete and race hard in their events. In the field, we saw lots of good things, plenty to improve on, and looking forward to the opportunity of chasing our goals."

Anne Spila (Mechanicsburg, PA/Trinity) was the busiest Saxon of all, as she competed in six total events. Her top finish came in the 60-meter hurdles, where she won her prelim with a 9.44. In the finals, she wrapped up second place with a 9.68, which was fast enough for a spot in the All-Atlantic Regional Track and Field Conference competition in the spring.

Elsewhere on the track, McKenzie Hall (Hornell, NY/Hornell) competed in the 3000-meter race and it came with great success. After falling to seventh early, she roared back to come home second with a time of 11:11.58.

Zoe Rainville (Saranac, NY/Saranac) also broke up what would've been a SUNY Brockport top-seven in the 300-meter dash. Her winning heat time of 45:36 was enough to be fourth overall, just off the podium. She was also part of the 4x200 meter relay team which came home second, clocking in a 1:56.49. Other members of the team included the aforementioned Spila, Annabelle Townsend (Woodsville, NH/Woodsville) and Octavia Fred (Dunkirk, NY/Dunkirk).

After a nice break away for the holidays, the Saxons return to action on January 17 at Utica University.

— Swords Forward Saxons —