HIGH POINT – Claire Cates' strong performance in the 3,000 meter Steeplechase keyed a solid first day for Gardner-Webb Track & Field at the 2015 VertKlasse Meeting at High Point University.

Cates finished seventh in the Steeplechase, crossing the finish line in a personal-record 11:50.42, more than 30 seconds faster than her previous best – set last March at the 2014 Winthrop Invitational. It continues a strong trend for Cates, who has trimmed considerable time in several events this season – both indoors and outdoors. Cates' time was less than 30 seconds shy of the school record, set April 8, 2011 by Diana Palka (11:20.46).

It was one of several new personal bests established Friday.

Meridith Byl smashed her personal-record distance in the javelin, finishing sixth with a toss of 35.63 meters (116'10"). That effort was nearly two meters better than her previous best, which was set earlier this season at the Charlotte 49er Classic.

Freshman Diamond Reese set a new outdoor PR in the shot put, bettering her previous mark by nearly one meter. She finished 10th with a distance of 12.82 meters (42'0.75"). Veteran thrower Sarah Mitchell took sixth in the same event with a distance of 13.17 meters (43'2.5").

On the men's side, freshman Clay Hamilton set a new outdoor PR as well in the shot put, posting a mark of 13.60 meters (44'7.5").

The bulk of the Gardner-Webb contingent will participate on a busy Saturday at Dick Vert Stadium on the campus of High Point University.

Saturday's action begins on the track with the men's 800m run and with the men's hammer throw at 9:45 am. The final event, the women's 4x400m relay, is scheduled for a 5:35 pm start on Saturday.

Live Results came be accessed via this link, courtesy of High Point and Flash Results.