Gainesville, FL. – Highlighted by Lauren Lewis' third-place finish in the 800M, Austin Peay State University's track and field team placed eighth at the Atlantic Sun Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships, Friday and Saturday, at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center.

"We began the season with a simple notion of trusting the process.  Through each meet, that's been the goal." said Asha Gibson-Smith. "This weekend, the valiant efforts of this group was commendable and shows great promise. The climb will be fun."

Myra Erikson kicked off the meet with a 3.37M jump and a sixth-place finish in the pole vault. Then Mia McGee got the Governors started on the track when she posted a 56.62 in the 400M prelims, good enough for fifth in her heat and a qualifying spot in the finals, where she placed sixth with a time of 56.03. Alexis Arnett (9th, 57.66) and Celeania Rollerson (12th, 59.38) also competed in the 400M prelims. 

Bianca Browne (11th, 7.74), Gabrielle Miller (15th, 7.87), and Isis Banks (17th, 7.98) all competed in the 60M preliminaries for the Governors. Next up was Lewis in the 800M prelims with a third-place finish and a time of 2:10.83; she followed that performance with a time of 2:09.17 and a third-place finish to earn a podium spot on the event finals. 

Shaye Foster also competed in the 800M prelims, posting a time of 2:17.45 and a 13th-place finish. Ashley Doyle also competed in the 5,000M finals, finishing 20th with a time of 18:19.12.

In the field events, Emma Tucker placed 13th in the weight throw with a a 14.79M throw, while Marcia Dejusus placed 17th with an 11.60M throw. 

To wrap up the running events, the team of Mary Kate French, Sydney Hartoin, Foster, Savannah Fruth, Kerra Marsh, Koriona Boyd, and Jaedyn Stalnecker competed in the 4,000M distance relay, finishing seventh with a time of 12:49.04.

In the final field event, Erikson jumped 10.99M to post a 10th-place finish in the triple jump. To close the ASUN Championship, the Govs competed in the 1,600M relay with the team of McGee, Arnett, Banks, Lewis, Rollerson, and Boyd placing fourth with a time of 3:49.37.

With the indoor season in the books, the Governors kick off outdoor track and field season at Murray State's Margaret Simmons Invitation, March 22-23, in Murray, Kentucky. For news and race results, follow the Austin Peay track and field team on X and Instagram (@GovsXCTF) or check back at LetsGoPeay.com.