ASydney Watts and Anastasia Watson started off the Chestnut Hill College Track and field season with a bang, breaking their own indoor school records in their respective events as the Griffins opened the season at the Moravian Invitational, held at Lehigh University's Rauch Gym in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Watson opened her season by breaking her own indoor record in the shot put, with a toss of 10.61 meters (34' 9¾"), eclipsing her own previous indoor school record of 10.04 meters.  Watson essentially broke the record twice, tossing the shot 10.40 meters on her second toss and then eclipsing the mark three throws later with her throw of 10.61 meters. Her efforts placed her sixth overall in the competition.
Watts also broke her own indoor record, running the 3,000 meter race in 11:19.36 and placing ninth overall. Her time was 7.05 seconds faster than her previous school record best of 11:26.41 set in late February last year.
In addition to Watts and Watson's efforts, two additional Griffins recorded top 20 finishes on the day. Rebecca Dalton ran an indoor personal best of 5:54.27 for the mile and Aubrey Elias, running in the 3000 meter race for the first time, finished 18th overall with a time of 12:02.35.
Erin McCarthy made her indoor debut in the shot put competition, finishing 24th with a toss of 8.89 meters (29' 2"). Three additional Griffins also made their indoor collegiate debut at their respective events. Mid-Distance runner Gabby Hassler competed in the 800 meter (2:47.92) and mile (6:28.22) events while sprinter DeAnna Otero competed in the 60 meter (9.12 seconds) and 200 meter (32.23 seconds) events. Jumper Fiona Goeckel competed in the long jump (3.78 m. – 12'5")
Rounding out the Griffin competitors was Solanje James, who like Otero, competed in the 60 meter (8.84 seconds) and 200 meter (30.4 seconds) events.
The women's track and field team returns to action for the Rutgers Invitational held on February 3-4 at the New York city Armory in the Bronx, New York.
