Villanova’s men and women’s track teams competed in a small invitational at the University of Pennsylvania. It was a good early season meet to assess where everyone is in their training, and what else needs to be done before the bigger meets arrive.

There were a few good performances on the men’s side. Andrew Blaich had a solid performance in the 3000 meter steeplechase, winning the event in 9:44.21.

Brian Anderson ran 1:56.72 in the 800 meter run to finish in fifth place. Pat Dunn nearly qualified for the Big East Championships while taking it easy in the 10000 meter run posting a time of 31:57.09 for second place.

Tim Reilly was third in the pole vault reaching a height of 14 feet, 5.25 inches. Robert McDade threw the shot put 48 feet, nine inches placing fourth in the event. McDade also returned for the discus throw to place second with a throw of 149 feet, four inches.

The women also had a fairly successful day. Wildcats Juliette Kenny, Zita Mezei, Claudine Evangelista and Bridget Akard ran the 5000 meter run, placing first (17:29.31), second (17:29.32), third (18:29.34) and fourth (18:29.44), respectively.

Junior Kirsty Smith was first in the 10000 meter run in 36:32.93. In the 400 meter hurdles, Melanie Rhoden and Monique Morgan placed first and second in 1:03.93, and 1:05.21 respectively.

Kourtney Marquis vaulted 10 feet six inches to win the pole vault. Nia Cooper won the triple jump with a leap of 35 feet, 9.5 inches, and Jaimie Stiger threw the Javeline 106 feet to place fifth in the event.

The Wildcats had some solid performances to set them up for a successful outdoor season. Their next meet will be on April 4 again at the University of Pennsylvania.