BROCKPORT, NY – The Alfred University women's track and field team competed on day one of the Empire 8 Outdoor Championships at SUNY Brockport on Friday.

The day started with Anne Spila (Mechanicsburg, PA/Trinity) in the heptathlon. She currently sits in fourth place with 1,924 points. Spila earned the highest points in two of her events on day one. She placed second in the 100-meter hurdles at 15.75 seconds to earn 745 points. Spila later won the 200-meter dash at 27.26 to notch 690. In addition to the heptathlon, she also took part in the javelin throw. Spila registered a personal best 33.05m (108'-5") throw to earn a spot on the podium with fourth overall.

Natalya Ryckman (New Eagle, PA/Ringgold) was the second Saxon to post a top-five performance in the throws. She threw for 47.18m (154'-9") to register fifth in the hammer throw.

McKenzie Hall (Hornell, NY/Hornell), Alivia Kocan (Hornell, NY/Arkport Central), Annabelle Townsend (Woodsville, NH/Woodsville) and Zoe Rainville (Saranac, NY/Saranac) were a part of the 4x800-meter relay. Alfred University finished sixth in the race at 10:37.99.

"Today was a great start to our E8 Championships," Head Coach Matt Phillips '10 said. "Once the wind died down, it was a beautiful day for some high level competition. We had some great performances and some unexpected podium finishes, which we hope to continue tomorrow."

The Saxons get ready for day two at the E8 Championships on Saturday at 10:00 AM.