TOPEKA, Kan. -- The No. 22-ranked Washburn women's track and field team returned to the Sneed Indoor Athletic Facility on Friday with a strong first day of action at the Washburn Open highlighted by advancement in the sprints and two standout, record-setting performances.

Washburn placed multiple athletes into the semifinals of the 60 meters, led by McKenzie Hayse and Ta'Mijha Nichols. Hayse finished 11th overall in the prelims with a time of 7.66, while Nichols followed closely in 12th at 7.67. Lyric Reid added a 21st-place finish, with Kyra Ray and Layla Lerus rounding out the field for the Ichabods.

Hayse continued her day in the 200 meters, placing 11th with a time of 24.75. Kereser Augustin finished 12th at 24.80, and Mellanie Neudinger recorded a personal best to place 18th in 24.93. Isabella Kupka also turned in a personal-best performance, finishing 21st, while Reid, Nichols, Kennedi Knowles and Lerus added depth for Washburn in a competitive field.

In the 600-yard run, Ashley Heavner finished 15th overall with a time of 1:29.64.

The highlight of the day on the track came in the 5,000 meters, where Kyla Lochtefeld delivered a performance for the record books. Lochtefeld placed fifth overall while breaking the school record with a time of 16:57.48. Her run not only eclipsed the previous mark of 17:16.91, but also stood as a personal best and met the NCAA provisional standard and was the 24th best performance this season.

In the field events, Kaylee Hagerman competed in the triple jump, finishing 31st. The throwing events provided another major highlight as Adriel Holloway placed third in the shot put with a personal-best throw of 13.93 meters. Holloway's mark also met the NCAA provisional standard, capping a strong opening day for the Ichabods.

Washburn will continue action at the Washburn Open on Saturday.

60m
McKenzie Hayse – 11th – 7.66 – advances to semifinals
Ta'Mijha Nichols – 12th – 7.67 – advances to semifinals
Lyric Reid – 21st – 7.72
Kyra Ray – 51st – 7.89
Layla Lerus – 61st – 7.94

200m
McKenzie Hayse – 11th – 24.75
Kereser Augustin – 12th – 24.80
Mellanie Neudinger – 18th – 24.93 - PR
Lyric Reid – 30th – 25.18
Isabella Kupka – 21st – 24.95 - PR
Ta'Mijha Nichols – 39th – 25.39
Kennedi Knowles – 46th – 25.57
Layla Lerus – 51st – 25.57 - PR

600-yard
Ashley Heavner -  15th – 1:29.64
 
5000m
Kyla Lochtefeld – 5th – 16:57.48 – PR - NCAA provisional – school record
 
High Jump Open
Roni Simeon – 6th – 1.55m (5-01.00)
Shaydin Myers –8th – 1.55m (5-01.00)
 
Triple Jump
Kaylee Hagerman – 31st – 10.43m (34-02.75)

Shot put
Adriel Holloway – 3rd – 13.93m (45-08.50) – PR – NCAA provisional