Clarksville, Ark.-The U of O women's indoor track team competed in the Missouri Southern State University February 6 in Joplin, Missouri.
    
Stephanie Alderson, Hannah Smith and Caitlyn Hill represented Ozarks in the 800-meter race.

"I thought we competed very well," said head coach Jeremy Provence. "We wanted to race hard and gain experience running in an environment that we are unfamiliar with. I think we accomplished that and more, beating out some great competition and setting the bar high for the rest of the track season."

Smith, a freshman, ran a team-best 2:40.27, just faster than teammate Caitlyn Hill, who ran a 2:40.93. Alderson ran a 2:48.17.

"Hannah bounced back from a rough fall semester by pacing the girls in her first track meet of her career," said Provence. "Caitlyn ran a great second half of the race as she made up a lot of time in the last 300 meters and Stephanie was just two seconds off her PR from last year."

Ozarks will now focus on its outdoor races, which begins March 5 at Mississippi College.

"We have a much better idea of where we stand after the race," said Provence. "It was a great experience for the girls, but now it's time to refocus and prepare for outdoor season."