By Rob Whitmire

The SPASH and Pacelli girls track teams opened the indoor portion of their 2016 season playing host to the 26th annual Point Invitational on Friday, March 18 at the UW-Stevens Point Multi-Activity Center.

“This is a great opportunity to compete against some good competition early in the season and see how we stack up,” said Nate Olson, Panther co-head coach. 

SPASH finished seventh in the 33-team meet with 26 points. Kimberly took top honors scoring 94 points.

Freshman Grace Belson took third place in the 1600-meter run with a time of 5:36.18. Junior Taylor Louis finished fourth in the shot put with a throw of 36-11.50 to lead the Panthers.

Pacelli’s Jenell Higgins in the first leg of the 4×400 relay. (City Times photo)

“For being early in the season I think the throwers performed very well. We hope to keep making higher marks,” said Louis regarding her efforts along with teammate Liz Hirzy.

“It is very early in the season so we were just looking to get the girls some experience and get some marks. From here our focus will be to improve on those marks every week,” Olson said.

The Pacelli 4 x 200 relay placed 20th (Jenelle Higgins, Morgan Kuckhan, Ally Horgan, Laura Minch with a time of 2:06.15 to pace the Cardinals. That relay is made up of one sophomore (Higgins) and three freshmen.

Layra Canapa of SPASH during the 55 meter dash. (City Times photo)

The SPASH and Pacelli boys track teams will compete in the Point boys Indoor Invite Saturday at the UWSP MAC center starting at 10:30 AM.