SALEM, Va. - The WildCats made an impressive start to the Finn Pincus Invitational, hosted by Roanoke College, on Day 1. 

In the 60m prelims, senior Kendra Smith led the way with a season-best 8.20, winning her heat and advancing to the semifinals, where she ran a time of 8.25. Sophomores Jessica Taylor (8.25) and Tatianna Langston (8.28) also advanced, with Langston setting a new season best in the prelims. In the semis, Taylor ran 8.26, and Langston ran 8.25. Senior Jaidyn Turner (8.37) and first-year Lily Whiting (8.86) rounded out the team's efforts with solid performances. 

In the hurdles, first-year Shaniya Owens recorded a personal best of 11.35 in the 60m hurdles prelims. Mid-distance standout Ryleigh Frayser, a first-year, earned a podium finish in the women's 600m with a time of 1:50.21, claiming 3rd place and a new school record. Senior Jenna Sass capped the day with an impressive personal best of 11:33.47 in the women's 3000m, finishing 12th overall.

The 'Cats are back in action tomorrow for Day 2 of the Finn Pincus Invitational. Track events start at 10:30 a.m. and field events begin at 10 a.m.