A nice mix of impressive newcomers and seasoned veterans are part of why the Hillsdale College women's track team enters the 2016-17 season ranked third in NCAA Division II. Much of that talent was on display at this weekend's SVSU Holiday Open.
Although the team's well-known distance runners like Molly Oren and Hannah McIntyre sat out the meet while transitioning from cross country season, the Chargers flexed their muscles in the sprint and relay events, showing they are a team of many strengths.
NCAA provo marks were earned by some of the team's most experienced sprinters and field event athletes, starting with wins by Hannah Watts and Allison Duber.
Watts took first in the 800 with a time of 2:14.7, while Duber opened her senior season by winning the 400 in 56.95 seconds. Both of those were NCAA provo times.
Senior pole vaulter Alexandra Whitford got her senior season off to a strong start, taking second in her event by clearing 3.79 meters, also an NCAA provo height. Rachael Tolsma took second in the weight throw with a toss of 16.81 meters, completing a grand total of 11 NCAA provo marks earned by the two Charger teams Saturday.
Former All-American thrower Dana Newell took second in the shot put at 12.28 meters.
Even though All-Americans Oren didn't run over the weekend, Hillsdale showed its deep bench in the distance events thanks to a win in the mile by Amanda Reagle. She earned her first win in that event with a time of 5:05.16.
One of the most impressive newcomers to the Charger roster was freshman Lorina Clemence, who finished a close second to Duber in the 200 (57.78), and joined Duber, Fiona Shea and Ashlee Moran on the first-place 4x400 relay team. They won the race in 3:56.42, a strong debut by a group that is a contender for a GLIAC championship.
UP NEXT: Hillsdale heads to Bloomington, Indiana to participate in the Hoosier Open next weekend