JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - Led by individual wins from sophomore sprinter Laura Minertz of Sterling, Ill., sophomore jumper Natalie Solms of Kissimmee, Fla., and freshman Heather Ketcham of Byron, Ill., the Ashford University women's track and field team completed an impressive performance at the Illinois College Snowbird Open on Saturday.

The Saints compiled 65 points, good for fourth in a deep 15-team field in their fourth event of the indoor campaign.

Freshman jumper Sarah Wenzel of Clinton contributed 13 points to the team standings with a runner-up finish in long jump (5.07m) and fourth-place effort in triple jump (9.41m) while Nkemdilim Okwumabua of Rockford, Ill., made her collegiate debut in high jump (1.40m) and placed second in the 800-meter run (2:26.18).

"With 14 other teams competing this weekend, both teams responded well to the length of the meet," AU Track and Field Head Coach Chris Adams said. "Meet length is something that can wear on athletes, especially the freshmen. In fact, Illinois College hosted two basketball games during the meet. So it can be difficult to stay focused for that amount of time if you are competing in multiple events that are hours apart."

Minertz broke the school record in the 400-meter dash to finish runner-up with a time of 1:01.58. She took home first-place honors in the 200-meter dash, clocking in at 26.95.

"Laura's been hesitant to embrace the 400m, but she has the talent to compete in the event at a high level," Adams said. "Her confidence in the event has increased after several strong relay splits in previous meets."

Minertz had re-written the 200-meter dash record for the second time, going back to her last event at the Sol Butler Classic Dubuque. Now the owner of 60, 200, 300 and 400-meter dash school marks, she has her sights set high to qualify for her first NAIA Championships appearance.

"I have been working really hard since we started the season and finally getting my times down to where I want them," Minertz said. "But there is still room for improvement and I just hope to join my teammates at nationals."

Ketcham beat out a field of 22 individuals to clear 1.56m, equaling her NAIA-qualifying standard set just a week ago in Dubuque. It was her first collegiate victory.

Solms recorded a 10.69m mark in the triple jump to add 10 points to the Ashford team score. She holds the indoor school record after breaking her own mark of 10.94m and nearly qualifying for the NAIA Championships in Dubuque.

The Saints are headed to the two-day Jack Jennett Invitational on Friday and Saturday in Cedar Falls this week.