Lopes' Head Coach Todd Lehman's aspirations… realized.

And neither he nor the first-ever Grand Canyon University Club Track & Field team are anywhere near done yet.

Powered by a pair of 1^st-place wins, the Lopes posted a total of 10 top-3 finishes in 10 different events at the Paradise Valley Community College Invite in north Phoenix Saturday. Lopes' sophomore Siena Burns picked where she left off in the fall, taking the tape first in the women's 800 meters, while in the pole vault, GCU freshman Delaney Herr jumped a season-best with a vault of 3.35 meters - .15 higher than any other competitor.

"Siena continues to impress with a strong 800m win, and her training and racing grit are indicating that she has many more outstanding races ahead," said Lehman. "Delaney bounced back from a frustrating competition last week at the Pole Vault Summit to win today and take jumps at a new lifetime best. It was great to see her being aggressive on the runway today."

In addition, fellow frosh Mallory McCray raced to a 2^nd-place finish in the women's mile with a time of 5:40.57; while sophomore Joshua Nicholson was just eight seconds off the winning pace in taking 2^nd place in the men's mile (while also finishing 5^th in the men's 1000 meters).

"I was impressed by Mallory constantly running her own race as she's shaving time off her PR's each race," said Lehman. "Josh raced smart and ran to a PR time proving that our distance squad is putting in the training. (Lopes' Assistant) Coach Kellie Stroupe has this group ready."

Finally among runners-up, Lopes' freshman Victoria Brown (10.80) was one of only two competitors that finished with a jump of 10 meters or better in finishing 2^nd in the women's triple jump. 

"In spite of a broken thumb slowing her training all week, Victoria came within 1cm of her personal best today on a jump that she didn't even touch the takeoff board," said Lehman. "Our coaching staff is such an outstanding group of leaders and motivators. This team is in such great hands with people who truly care about our athlete's well-being, enjoyment, and success."

Full meet results can be found here. The Lopes head south to Coolidge to take part in the Central Arizona College Invitational tomorrow (Saturday), January 31.