CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Austin Peay State University women's track and field team will open the 2010 Indoor Track and Field season at the SASF Invitational at 4 p.m., Friday, at the Southern Illinois University Student Recreation Center in Carbondale, Ill.

"This is our first track meet of the year and it will give us a good idea of where everyone is in their training," said head coach Doug Molnar. "We've only been back from our break for a week so this will tell us how everyone trained over break."

The Lady Govs have high hopes for 2010, with a number of key contributors returning from last season's team. Reigning Ohio Valley Conference 400-meter dash champion Chiamaka Obi, now a junior, will start her title defense in Carbondale. Senior Amanda McCoy will provide stability both on the track (in the hurdles) and in the field (in the high jump) while junior sprinters Candace Cullors and Candace Johnson will help Obi with the relays. The distance runners will begin competition next week.

"Obi had a strong break and will run her specialty," said Molnar. "Our 4-by-400-meter team also enters the season with high expectations and will look for a strong opening statement this weekend."

In the field events, the Lady Govs will rely on points to come from a strong pole vaulting team. The record-setting senior duo of Molly Bartkiewicz and Carrie Burggraf return for one last run at OVC Championship glory, while sophomore Brianna Lococo and freshman Skylar Wall provide depth and even more talent to the strongest pole vaulting program in the conference. Freshmen Cenitra Hudson (triple jump) and Leigha Tolliver (long jump) will be given the best chance to fill the void of departed jumper Leann White.

"The vaulters seem to be in good early season form and are ready to go," said Molnar. "We are looking for big things out of several groups this weekend and hope to get several personal bests in the first meet."

 - AP -