The Aurora University Spartan women's Track and Field finished sixth at the North Central Cardinal Opener. Friday's meet marks AU's first full-team meet of the indoor season.
 
“I am really proud of our girls today,” said assistant coach Rachael Chapman. “This may be one the best women's teams that I have coached since arriving at AU.”
           
The distance medley relay consisting of Lena Palmer, Liza Canaday, Brit March, and CJ Houlis ran well enough to finished second overall. Their time of 12:54.22 marks not only an AU record, but a Northern Athletics Conference record as well. “I feel that a conference championship in cross country this past fall really boosted the girls' confidence coming into the season,” said graduate assistant Ryan Schroeder. “But I am not sure that any of us saw them breaking the conference record today; that's awesome!”
           
The sophomore Houlis later finished second overall in the women's 3,000 meter run with a time of 10:47.72. Junior Anna Perkowski finished fifth overall with a time of 10:53.09. “CJ and Anna are veterans. I can see them leading our distance girls this season,” said coach Ryan Chapman. “They are going to do some damage at conference.”
           
Junior thrower Samantha Owens finished seven overall in the weight throw with a distance of 14.25 meters. “I just get so nervous this early in the season,” said Owens. “Yet, I look forward to competing with my teammates this season.”
           
Next action for the Spartan women's track and field team comes on Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2 when they travel to Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Ill.