CHICAGO – The Milwaukee women's track & field team started their indoor season today at the Blue Demon Holiday Invite in Chicago, hosted by DePaul University.
 
The Panthers managed four first place finishes on the day, along with multiple other podium performances.
 
Dominique Thomas won the 200 meter dash, setting a new Milwaukee record with a time of 24.31, which is also the current sixth-best time in Division I for this season. Thomas was followed closely behind by Natalie Block, who took second with a time of 24.83, the fifth best time in program history.
 
"Dominique had a great start to her junior season," head coach Andrew Basler said. "Two PR's and the school record in the 200 is a great way to jumpstart the year."
 
Thomas also won the 60 meter dash with a time of 7.48, the second best time in program history. Block had a win of her own in the 60 meter hurdles, recording a time of 8.46, the second best time in Panthers' history. Block was followed in second place by Kynnedi Malone, whose time of 8.67 puts her at fourth all-time.
 
"Our hurdlers are going to be a force to be recognized this year, and I think that was highlighted at this meet," Basler added.
 
Kortnie Volk secured an individual win with a 5.52 meter mark in the high jump, and Adaline Powell won the triple jump with a distance of 11.95 meters. Powell's performance puts her at tenth on Milwaukee's all-time list.
 
Leah Handshoe finished second in the 400 meter dash, crossing the finish line in 57.22, putting her at eighth all-time. Katie Burns came in third behind Handshoe with a time of 57.79. Olivia VanZeeland upped her previous best mark in the high jump, clearing 1.68 meters for third place and the seventh best mark in program history.
 
Milwaukee's final podium spot came by way of the 4x400 meter relay, as they recorded a time of 3:54.68 for second place. Katie Burns, Brooke Crosby, Alexandria Simmons, and Handshoe made up the relay team.
 
"I thought we did much better than last year at this meet, and I think the team is in a really good spot for how early it is in the year," Basler said.
 
The Panthers will be back in the action after the holiday break on January 6 at the Illini Open.