NEW YORK CITY – Junior Megan Breski improved her school record in the pole vault Friday from The Armory in northern Manhattan as the Shippensburg women's indoor track and field squad began its weekend at the two-day New Balance Collegiate Invitational.

Breski placed ninth amongst a talented field after clearing 12 feet, 1 ½ inches – a NCAA provisional mark that slots her among the nation's Top 10. She cleared both her second jump (11 feet, 9 ¾ inches) and her record-setting jump on the first attempt. Breski was unable to clear the next height – 12 feet, 5 ½ inches – a feat accomplished by just six Division II athletes this season.

The Raiders achieved 11 PSAC qualifying marks on the first day of competition, primarily competing in track events.

Freshman Lauren Ellsworth led a group of three women that set new season PRs in the 400-meter dash with sub 60-second times. Ellsworth crossed the line in 59.02 seconds, while senior Lindsay Bingaman ran a time of 59.11 seconds and freshman Briana Fells posted a time of 59.49 seconds. Bingaman's mark is a new indoor PR.

The day began with the Eastern 3K, an event that featured season PRs from three Raiders. Senior Sarah Strayer led the SU contingent with a time of 10:27.38, while redshirt freshman Heather Weiss finished in 10:34.81 and sophomore Emma Shank in 10:45.39. Weiss and Shank achieved new indoor collegiate PRs with their performances.

Junior Courtney Martin joined freshmen Yaneshia Gaston and Danesha Butler with PSAC qualifying times in the 200 meters. Junior Caitlin Stuetz and sophomore Daniesa Lyles hit PSAC marks in the 60-meter hurdles.

Competition resumes at 8:30 a.m. Saturday from the Armory. Also on Saturday, SU will have a large contingent of jumpers and throwers at Lehigh University participating in the John Covert Classic.

PSAC and NCAA Times/Marks

200 (College)
85. Courtney Martin 26.67 (PSAC)
87. Yaneshia Gaston 26.71 (PSAC)
90. Danesha Butler 26.84 (PSAC)

400 (College)
59. Lauren Ellsworth 59.02 (PSAC)
61. Lindsay Bingaman 59.11 (PSAC)
70. Briana Fells 59.49 (PSAC)

3K (Eastern)
22. Sarah Strayer 10:27.38 (PSAC)
26. Heather Weiss 10:34.81 (PSAC)
28. Emma Shank 10:45.39 (PSAC)

60M Hurdles (College)
32. Caitlin Stuetz 9.14 (PSAC)
48. Daniesa Lyles 9.30 (PSAC)

500 (College)
46. Caitlin Stuetz 1:18.84

Pole Vault (College)
9. Megan Breski 12' 1 ½” (NCAA P)