Franklin women's track and field kicked off the outdoor season on Saturday, competing in the Rose-Hulman Early Bird Invite.

Starting off the day on the track, senior Wynn Wellington and freshman Ariana Sheckler both competed in the 5,000 meters. Wellington snagged third with a 20-second personal best (19:34.48), with Sheckler following behind in fourth with a 49-second PB (20:12.05).

In the 1,500, frosh Andrea Madrigal finished in fourth (5:20.97) with teammate sophomore Fiona Sodrel crossing in fifth (5:25.77).

Freshmen Grace Tincher and Amani Byrd debuted in the 100-meter dash. Tincher finished with a time of 12.60 to claim third (and number three all-time at FC). Byrd ran 13.13 to place 10th and secure eighth all-time. Fellow first-year Alex Mast had herself a day, placing first overall in the 400 meters in a time of 59.44. That mark places her second in school history and makes her just the second female Grizzly ever to break 60 seconds outdoors.

Rounding out the running events, the 4x400 meter relay consisting of Mast, Sodrel, Madrigal, and Alora Coble came together to finish fourth with a time of 4:35.99.

In the field events, Tincher got the afternoon started in the long jump. She won the event with a leap of 5.47 meters (17 feet, 11.5 inches). That mark breaks a school outdoor record set in 1984. Frosh Alaina Kellerman finished fifth in the pole vault, leaping 3.00 meters (9-10). She solidifies her place at number three in school history.

The Grizzlies now set their sights on the Hanover Invitational this coming Saturday (March 28).