By James Eddy II

Despite limited practice, the men’s and women’s track and field teams had a surprisingly strong performance in the Seahawk Invitational this weekend.

NU had unexpected results for its first outdoor performance of the year. The team just ended its indoor season March 9 and was unable to practice before the track meet in Wilmington, N.C.

The women’s squad dominated in both the track and field events. Freshman Porche Giddings finished first in the 100- and 200-meters, while senior Tramaine Shaw finished first in the 400-meter hurdles. Junior teammate Katherine Shaw finished third.

The Huskies scraped together a last-minute team for the 4×100 relay and earned a second place finish.

The members of the field team were not to be outdone by their track teammates, with freshman Althea Charles finishing first in the shot put, and sophomore Colleen Sorenson finishing third in the hammer throw.

Sorenson said she thought the weather was a positive for the Huskies.

“It was such a big difference to compete in warm weather”, she said. “It wasn’t a huge change to go from indoors to outdoor.”

The men also had a strong showing. Senior Ed Reardon finished first in the hammer throw and third in the discus, while sophomore Adrian Li finished first in the high jump. The Huskies had a number of third place finishes, with Dan Anderson, Patrick Jablonski, Brian Racca and Andrew Staples all taking third in their respective events of pole vault, shot put, triple jump and high jump.

The men did not do as well in the track events as their female teammates, but still managed to put forth a strong effort, with sophomore Jonathan Hall finishing third in the 400-meter hurdles.

Head coach Sherman Hart said he felt the lack of experience outside contributed to the results by the men.

Though the Huskies had a strong performance, there is still room for improvement, Hart said.

“We still have some ways to go, before we reach our goal of a conference championship,” he said.

Hart said hewas surprised that his team did so well despite having limited practice, and overcoming the heat. Hart referenced the New England Patriots as an example of showing a team that can have a strong start, but not complete their goal of a conference championship. However, Hart was still surprised and excited by his team’s performance.

Hart said he is unsure what to expect for the next meet, the Husky Spring Invitational, which Northeastern will host at Solomon track March 22 at 10 a.m. With the unpredictable Boston weather, Hart dis still considering the game plan for next week. However, he said he hopes the Huskies will have another strong performance to continue the season.