UCLA Track and Field Sets the Tone in Season Opener

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The UCLA track and field team opened the indoor season in impressive fashion as the Bruins claimed four event titles at the NAU Invitational Friday evening at the oval in the Skydome.

On the men’s side, senior Alec Faldermeyer opened the 2014 campaign with a win, uncorking the weight 65-4 to take top honors in the event. Sophomore Nick Hartle then followed suit by winning the 1,000m with a time of 2:27.13.

Multi-event ace Marcus Nilsson finished second in the open pole vault and first among collegiate athletes with a clearance of 15-7.75. Scott Cook cleared 13-8.25 to finish sixth. Junior Phillip Kostelnik also placed second and first against the NCAA field with a 1:21.92 in the 600m.

Following Hartle in the 1,000m were sophomores Ferdinand Edman (4th, 2:29.33) and Austin O’Neil (5th, 2:29.96).

In the women’s events, junior Ava Kent won the 1,000m with a time of 3:01.89. In the open pole vault, junior Elena Clarke cleared a personal best 13-4.25 to win the event and lead a Bruin group that placed four in the top six spots.

Sarah Greene and Kayla Mallett both cleared 12-4.50 to tie for second while Renee Greene cleared 12-0.50 to finish tied for fifth in the pole vault.

Newcomer Monique Van leaped 36-10.50 in the triple jump to place second. In the shot put Tatum Souza placed 14th with a toss of 40-8.75 while Katherine Salcido followed in 16th with a heave of 38-9.50.

In the 600m, senior Paisley Pettway placed ninth with a time of 1:40.24.

The Bruins will begin competition on Saturday at 10 a.m. PT, with the men’s invitational pole vault. The action on the track will start at 10:30 a.m. with the men’s mile run.