Lexington, Va. -- The Western Carolina track and field teams enjoyed tremendous success during the first day of the VMI Winter Relays highlighted by an event win courtesy of freshman Lexie Durban in the women's shot put as well as six other top-five finishes. 
 
Durban took the first event win of the season for the Catamounts with a personal best toss of 12.73m and was the only athlete to break 12.55m in the event. Her first attempt of the day at 11.99m would have secured her a personal best by .06m, but the Catamount youngster saved her best throw of the day for last as she took home the win on her sixth throw. She was followed in the event by Toria Roundtree and Emmie Finley, who took sixth and ninth on the day.  
 
Kendall Hudson and Raelyn Vadala stood out for the Catamounts as well, taking second and third-place finishes in the long jump with personal best attempts. Both Catamounts earned their placements with big final attempts, with Hudson posting a clear of 5.49m and Vadala following close behind with a 5.47m leap. The duo were two of only three athletes to have a mark better than 5.20m, while Hudson was one of only two athletes not to foul in any of her attempts.  
 
The Catamount women's team also took strong finishes in the pole vault thanks to third and fifth-place marks from Jennifer Wagner and Bella Hilleary. Both Catamounts cleared 5.26m, but Wagner did so on fewer attempts, tying for third place.  
 
The men's team had several strong performances as well, with Noah Straley and Jacob Thomas earning top-five finishes in the long jump and shot put respectively. Straley took third place after a 7.23m leap and was one of only three athletes to clear 7.00m in the event. Thomas earned fourth with a 14.79m throw, setting a new personal record in the event by a full .29m.  
 
The Catamounts will look to close out the VMI Winter Relays strong with action beginning tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. with the men's mile.