MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Milwaukee women's track & field team competed in its first 2026 competition at the Minnesota Open on Saturday.
 
"The first meet back from winter break always has a mixed bag of results," said head coach Andrew Basler. "I think most college track coaches would agree that there are challenges losing your team for 2-3 weeks for winter break after spending all fall preparing." From an effort standpoint, I was happy with what I saw across all events,"
 
Anna Szepieniec picked up right where she left off in 2025, securing a first-place victory in the 60-meter hurdles (8.67).
 
In the 200-meter dash, Szepieniec finished third, clocking a time of 25.39. Katie Burns was right behind her in fourth, crossing the threshold in 25.58. Victoria Evtimov was the third Panther in the top five, securing fifth with a time of 25.68.
 
The Black & Gold swept the podium in the 1-mile race, with Janiyah Taylor (5:22.51) taking the crown followed by Lauren Ripley (5:23.89) and Rohan Flanagan (5:40.25).
 
"Women's vertical jumps were strong events for us today," added Basler. "In high jump, after winning the event with a 1.73m clearance, Olivia took 3 good attempts at a school record height of 1.80m. Macy also had a breakthrough jump clearing 1.65m on her first attempt."
 
Olivia VanZeeland has gone two for two in her high jump appearances this season, finishing first in both outings. VanZeeland cleared 1.73m at the meet held in the Minnesota Fieldhouse, which currently ranks 46th in the NCAA.
 
Success continued for the Black & Gold in the high jump, with Macy Woodward securing a new personal best, jumping 1.65m to finish in fourth for Milwaukee.
 
"In pole vault, our ladies showed the depth we have in that event. Hailey and Emma led the way with solid season opening performances," Basler said.
 
The pole vault duo of Hailey Soriaga and Emma Johnson turned in successful season-opening outings. Soriaga tied for second with a 3.71m effort and Johnson was not far behind, jumping 3.56m to secure fourth.
 
"We look forward to a focused week of training as we prepare for the Tierney Classic on Sunday, January 18," Basler concluded.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Panthers will host the annual Tierney Classic in the Klotsche Center on Saturday, January 18. Events will begin at 10:00 a.m.