TACOMA, Wash.--- The Pacific Lutheran University women's track and field team sits comfortably in first place of the PLU Invitational after the running events come to a close on Friday.
 
The 4x100-meter relay got the Lutes started out of the gate on Friday morning, as the team of Sarah Brandt, D'Yhana Clemons, Madison Downey, and Kyleigh Archer run a time of 52.51 to beat out the other PLU team featuring Allie Youngs, Addisen Herring, Jennie Brown, and Abi Caprye.
 
Jessalyn Robles responded with a fast time of her own in the 1500-meter run, taking second with a time of 5:17.69, earning the best finish by a Division III competitor. Herring returned to action with the 100-meter hurdles, earning a dominant first-place finish with a time of 15.79.
 
Freshman Lilly Achterling then earned the best time in the 400-meter hurdles, beating out teammate Adalia Olmos by half of a second. Olmos, Achterling, Robles, and Herring teamed up in the women's 4x400-meter relay, taking the win in dominant fashion over Saint Martin's with a time of 4:29.00. These four were responsible for the majority of the Lutes points in Friday's meet.
 
In the sand, Archer and Madison Downey took the top-two spots with leaps of 4.91-meters and 4.79-meters, respectively. After earning All-Region honors for the indoor season from USTFCCCA, Ki Neir led the way in the pole vault, eclipsing 3.09-meters over the bar. Fellow All-Region Indoor honoree, Abi Caprye, showed her skills outdoors, earning first in the high jump with a hop of 1.48-meters, beating out two teammates who were tied for second with 1.43-meter leaps.
 
Sitting at 135-points as a team after the majority of the events, the Lutes will look to hold onto the top spot after tomorrow's three remaining events, followed closely by Puget Sound with 107-points.
 
"Kyleigh had a great day in the jumps with a strong long jump and a personal-best in the triple. Addie was another one who ran really well with a big PR in the hurdles! Looking forward to finishing with the throws tomorrow!" said Head Coach Trey Henderson following day one.
 
The PLU Invitational will conclude tomorrow following the completion of the Discus, Javelin, and Shot Put throwing events.
 
To follow Lutes coverage all season long, please follow us on social media; PLU Athletics on Facebook, @GoLutes on X.com and Instagram.