While only an early season marker, the men's and women's indoor track and field teams showed signs of good form last Saturday at the non-scoring Jay Carisella Invitational. Held at the famed Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury, the Judges fared well against Division I competition, showing that they have every intention of making a statement on the indoor track scene this season.

However, sprinter Vincent Asante '14 noted the meet wasn't all business.

"It was the first meet of the season, and we weren't looking forward to stressing ourselves out," said Asante.

On the men's side, Asante showed that last year wasn't a fluke. The UAA Indoor and Outdoor rookie of the year in 2011, Asante took sixth in the 55-meter dash, clocking a time of 6.71 seconds in the small eight-man final.

Yet he did express concern about his need to be more disciplined in training as the team begins its season.

"I was surprised at my performance and I thought I wasn't going to place at all," said Asante. "I am not worried about peaking right now. I am more concerned about getting stronger, because I am not in a good shape mentally and physically."

In the preliminaries of the day's shortest run, Charlie Pino '12 ran at 6.87 seconds, Kensai Hughes '14 notched a finish time of 6.91 seconds, and Stanley Ye '12 finished at 7.39 seconds.

In the 200-meter dash, Hughes clocked a solid 23.84 en route to a 20th-place finish, before capping his day with a 16th-place showing in the long jump, where he leapt 19 feet, 7.5 inches. Pino and Viet Tran '15 also competed in the pit, jumping 18.525 feet and 18.175 feet, respectively. Viet also jumped 39.225 feet in the triple jump.

Jung Park '14, who nabbed a 55.60 competing in the 400 meter, also finished 20th in the 55 hurdles (8.88), five-hundreths of a second ahead of Jeffrey Maser '15, who took 21st. Maser also took 15th in the high jump with a height of six feet.

The women saw some success on their end as well, highlighted by Brittany Bell '14, who finished second in the 55-meter dash, clocking in at 7.41. Bell showed her versatility in the meet, also placing 10th in the long jump, leaping 15.825 feet. She was rewarded with the UAA's Athlete of the Week award.

Bell was anxious, however, entering the race and did not know what to anticipate after a long off-season.

"It's been a while since I've raced, so I wasn't too sure what to expect," Bell said.

"I went into the day just telling myself that whatever happens, happens and reminding myself this was my first time back so there was time to improve.

She was not overconfident after Saturday's finish and acknowledges she still needs to improve.

"I do feel there is a lot more I can put into my workouts and my coach is ready to target my weak points from seeing my performance yesterday."

Kim Farrington '13—who notably placed third in the triple jump—took part in the event as well, jumping 15 feet, 2.75 inches. Lily Parenteau '12 also notched a sixth-place finish in the high jump with an effort of 5 feet, 2.25 inches.

Michelle Fry '15 and Annifreed Sinjour '13 fared well in the 200 meter, completing the one-lap race in 27.55 and 28.20 seconds, respectively. Casey McGown '13 took 16th in the 400-meter race, timing in at 1:03.21, 3.23 seconds ahead of Daniela Ayala '15 and 9.41 ticks ahead of Elizabeth Nguyen '14.

Overall, Asante was satisfied with the sprinters' performance against tough competition, yet acknowledged there is still work to do.

"We enjoy the competition that Division I schools bring, helping us push ourselves," said Asante. "To conclude, we are only looking forward to getting stronger, and once we get there, the results will speak for themselves."

Despite racing in a field with mostly Division I schools, Bell agreed it was a worthwhile experience and will prepare the team well for future meets.

"We love the meets against Division I track colleges because they are usually held at a higher caliber, so it puts me in a mindset that I really need to bring my all," said Bell.

While it's still early in the season, the Judges have hit the ground running. The teams next compete at the Reggie Poyau Invitational this Saturday at 11 a.m.