By Eric Creamer

Opponents in the America East Conference might be tired of seeing the women’s track team hoist up indoor track and field trophies, but they may have to deal with it again this winter.

NU returns almost everyone from last year’s championship squad, and it appears that the Huskies might have the makings of a dynasty.

“We’re looking for a championship,” said assistant coach Rich Hart. “Most of our point scorers are back, and we have a great recruiting class. I think that they all have high goals.”

Northeastern may have had the best incoming group in the conference. Freshmen Jordine Kimbrel and DaviAnn Brown head the group, as both were New England champions from Massachusetts last year.

“Kimbrel and Brown lead a great recruiting class,” said Hart. “This was a tremendous class, and we were lucky to get them all.”

Northeastern has established itself as the premiere team in the conference. Unfortunately for their opponents, the Huskies are loaded with veterans who have done big things in the past few years.

Sophomore sprinter Ahndraea Allen returns after garnering team MVP honors as a freshman. She set the team record in the 400 on a number of occasions. She was one of the team’s most consistent runners last season.

Senior Ebony Jack, a co-captain, is another returning sprinter with accolades on her resume. She won the 55 meters in last year’s America East Championship, and she also won the New England title. Jack also competes in the 200 and relay events. Another solid returning sprinter is Tina Ibrahim.

“Having Allen and Jack back is big,” said Hart. “They contributed a lot last year. I think that they might be the best sprinters in the conference.”

Other areas that the Huskies look to shine in are the pole vault. Senior Joanelle Bailey-Chandler set the team pole vault record twice last year. Joining her again will be Jenn Curato and Courtney MacLaren.

“The pole vault was strong for us last year, and I think it will continue to be again,” said Hart.

NU’s crew of jumpers may be the best in the conference. Nicole Parker won the America East Championship in the high jump last winter and was fourth in the long jump. Parker took first in the pentathlon and second in the high jump at the New England Championships.

“Parker is a great athlete,” said Hart. “Many of them compete in more than one event, and they score points for us in all of them.”

The Huskies’ first meet will be the Husky Carnival on Saturday at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. Every year, Northeastern hosts a tournament during both the indoor and outdoor campaigns.

“I don’t think that we have any real weaknesses,” said Hart. “We’re a solid team right now. I think that they’re ready to get back into it again.”