NORTHFIELD, Minn. -- Grace Blanchette (Jr./Honolulu , Hawaii/Punahou), Sydney Marsh (Sr./Austin, Minn./Austin), and Eve Farrell (Sr./Mahtomedi, Minn./Mahtomedi) wrapped up the first day of competition at the MIAC Heptathlon in fourth, seventh, and ninth place, respectively.
 
"The heptathlon is an event that takes years of practice to learn the technical events," said Carleton head coach Donna Ricks. "These women have spent countless hours at the track and are positive, hardworking individuals that compete in this event for the love and joy of the sport."
 
Blanchette totaled 2,509 points. She started off with her second-fastest time (15.53) in the hurdles this season, then set a personal best in the high jump (1.53 meters) and the shot put (9.31 meters) before clocking a time of 28.43 during the 200-meter race.
 
"She came ready to compete," said Ricks. "This was her highest first day total to date."
 
Marsh accumulated 2,269 points. She clocked a time of 17.16 in the 100-meter hurdles and cleared 1.41 meters in the high jump. After measuring 9.67 meters in the shot put, she concluded the day with a time of 27.65 in the 200-meter dash.
 
"Sydney is that athlete that a coach can always count on to bring her best and has no fear," Ricks said. "Two of her strongest events come on Friday: the long jump and the 800-meter run."
 
Farrell collected 2,050 points. In the hurdles she posted a time of 18.37 before clearing 1.54 meters in the high jump. After recording a distance of 9.06 meters in the in the pole vault, Farrell concluded the session with a time of 30.09 in the 200-meter dash.
 
"Eve's high jump was definitely the highlight of her day and demonstrated again that she is one of the best jumpers in the conference," said Ricks.
 
Peyton Selle of Concordia-Moorhead leads the competition with 2,668 ponts.
 
Up Next for the Knights
Day 2 of the MIAC Heptathlon begins at 12:30 p.m. The event list includes the long jump, javelin throw, and 800-meter run.