STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Hunter College women's indoor track and field team launched its 2025-26 campaign this weekend at the Youree Spence Garcia Invitational at Ocean Breeze, hosted by St. John's, turning in a strong season debut highlighted by multiple top-10 finishes and early conference-leading marks.

Rookie standout Rachelle Griffith set the tone in her collegiate debut, placing seventh overall in the 400m dash with a time of 1:03.74, the best mark in the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) so far this season. She was closely followed by sophomore Mikaelle Cesar, who earned eighth in 1:06.06.

Griffith continued her impressive day in the 60-meter hurdles, posting a 10.72, the third-fastest time in CUNYAC standings. Teammate Tahlea Murray was right behind her, crossing in 10.78.

In the 60m dash, Becky Li led the Hawks with a time of 8.55, followed by Rubilyn Navarro at 8.76 and Thais Beckford at 8.78.

Hunter also saw a strong grouping in the 200m dash, where freshman Orianna Blackman made an immediate impact with a 29.85 in her first collegiate race, just ahead of Murray's 29.90. Jimmanie Joseph (30.60) and Navarro (30.99) rounded out the squad's performances.

The Hawks found momentum in the distance events as well. Emma Kilroy delivered a solid opener in the 3,000m, finishing in 13:23.92. She was followed by 2025 CUNYAC Cross Country Rookie of the Year Maria Gonzalez at 13:42.31, with Ewa Ozgastasiewicz close behind in 13:43.52. Gabriela Miranda added a steady effort in the 1,000m, clocking 3:54.01.

In field events, Li and Navarro competed in the long jump, recording marks of 4.45m and 4.33m, respectively. Murray led the way in the shot put with a throw of 9.91, while Rawnaa Elshita turned in a mark of 7.29m in the weight throw to close out Hunter's day.

The Hawks return to Ocean Breeze on Jan. 2 for the Wagner Invitational.