Montreat, NC– The Patriots opened the indoor season at two meets on Thursday, posting several promising early-season marks highlighted by a national qualifying performance from the race walk group at the Montreat Exams.
 
UC earned its first women's national standard of the year through Lilian Bittencourt, who delivered a strong performance in the 3000-meter race walk. She crossed the line in 16:17.23 to hit the NAIA B standard and secure the event win.
 
The distance group added another solid showing in the 5000 meters, where Anslee Crosby placed sixth in 18:46.10 to lead the Patriots against a competitive field.
 
At the Liberty Kickoff, UC collected several quality marks across the jumps. In the long jump, Analei Sarakatsannis recorded a mark of 4.87 meters to lead the Patriots, while Jaci Woods followed with a 4.73-meter effort as both athletes opened their indoor seasons.
 
UC also had its multi-event group competing in the pentathlon on day one at Liberty, gaining valuable early-season experience against a strong field as they began building toward championship form.
 
The Patriots will continue competition Friday as the women wrap up the Liberty Kickoff, while the remainder of the roster prepares for Saturday's Commonwealth Opener in Louisville.
 
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