NASHVILLE, Tenn. –  Arizona's track and field team competed in day one of the Vanderbilt Invitational today in Nashville, Tenn. After an impressive first meet in Flagstaff, the jumpers again shined for Arizona.

"I definitely thought day one was a good one for us" head coach Fred Harvey said. "I was really excited about Avery (Mickens). He looks healthy and strong and that is the most important thing for us. The whole jumps squad had a great meet today, Lisanne (Hagens) and Justice (Summerset) both were competing against top NCAA competitors that will be at the national meet."

Hagens kept up the hot start to her season by winning the high jump with a mark of 1.84m (6' 0.5"). Karla Teran came in third-place with a mark of 1.75m (5' 8.75"). On the men's side Summerset showed off his vast potential by jumping a mark of 2.18m (7' 1.75") for third-place. Bryant O'Georgia placed 10th overall with a mark of 2.00m (6' 6.75").

Mickens kicked off his indoor season with an indoor personal best in the long jump at 7.57m (24' 10") to win the event.

"After being injured for two years, it felt nice to come out and open up my season like that." Mickens said. "I let a deep one get away, but I am ready to bring the momentum from this meet into the rest of our season."

Myles Hawkins had also been dealing with injuries over the last couple of seasons, but the now-healthy Hawkins took sixth-place in the long jump with a mark of 7.32m (24' 0.25") for a new indoor personal best as well.

"I thought Myles was one of our unsung heroes today." Harvey said. "He has been battling injuries these last couple of years and went out there and jumped an indoor PR."

In the 200-meter race Brena Andrews took fifth-place with a personal record time of 24.62 seconds. Diana Gajda finished in 10th with a time of 24.90 seconds. On the men's side, freshman ZaKee Washington placed seventh overall with a time of 21.97 seconds.

The Track Cats will be in action again tomorrow for day two of the Vanderbilt Invitational starting at 9:15 am. MST.
 

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