BERKELEY, Calif. – It was a busy season opener for Saint Mary's Women's Track and Field, with 21 Gaels competing in nine different events in the Cal Season Opener. That said, Saint Mary's rose to the occasion with five new school records, four heat wins and two overall wins in what should be a preview for the exciting season to come. 

The second event on the track for the day was the 2000m steeplechase, an event that none of the three Gaels participants had ever competed in in collegiate competition. Kaylee Barnes wowed in the event, finishing with a program record time of 7:07.32, good enough to win the race by nearly a minute over her teammate, Jane Carney (8:05.84). 

One race later, the Gaels saw another runner top the podium, as Rayna Stanziano won the 3000m with a program record time of 9:15.28. She was one of four Gaels (Emily Field (5th), Eleanor Jepsen (7th), and Anna Ranieri (9th)) to place in the top ten of that race. 

In the sprint events, Maddie Dwyer broke the program 100m (12.72) and 200m (25.74) records, while Jaden DeSouza set a new program record in the 400m hurdles (1:01.17). Dwyer placed 14th overall in the 200m, winning her heat, while in her first collegiate 800m, Alexis Ortiz won her heat, placing 15th overall. Other strong finishes include Klara Frih, placing third in the 800m and the 4x400m team of Jaden DeSouza, Aleah-Rae Castro, Klara Frih, and Ana Mercado placing second. 

"We couldn't have kicked off the season much better!" exclaimed Head Coach Marty Kinsey, "This will be an epic year for the lady Gaels!"

The Gaels will be back in action next weekend at the Bay Area Invite, hosted by San Francisco State. 

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