The Hope College women's track & field team stands in third place after the opening day of the MIAA Indoor Championships, presented by Collegiate Credit Union.

Led by six scoring performances the Flying Dutch totaled 38.5 points on Friday during the first day of the two-day meet at Trine University, trailing Calvin University (75) and Trine (39). 

The meet resumes on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m. Adrian College (28) is in fourth place, followed by Alma College (23.5), Albion College (15), The University of Olivet (8), and Kalamazoo College (7).

Coach Jordan Bartolazzi was pleased with the start for the Flying Dutch, especially their 5K runners.

"They ran very tough and really helped our program in the team battle. Our group responded very well to the challenging moments that were presented today," Bartolazzi said.

Hope's top finish of the day came in the 4,000-meter distance medley relay.

Sophomore Maddie VandeBunte (Jenison, Michigan / Jenison), freshman Eliana Kotsonis (Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin / Hamilton), freshman Miranda Sawvel (Laramie, Wyoming / Centennial) and junior Mary England (Kalamazoo, Michigan / Kalamazoo Central) delivered a runner-up performance in 12 minutes, 30.71 seconds to earn eight points.

Senior Natalie Christnagel (Grosse Ile, Michigan / Grosse Ile) added another podium finish in the high jump, clearing 1.59 meters (5 feet, 2½ inches) to place third and score six points.

Freshman Anna Sybenga (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Forest Hills Central) led Hope's efforts in the 5,000 meters with a fourth-place finish in 18:00.58 to earn five points. Sophomore Olivia Ippel (St. Joseph, Michigan / St. Joseph) followed closely behind in fifth at 18:00.90, adding four more points.

Freshman Jaidyn Klimp (Galesburg, Michigan / Galesburg Augusta) contributed 4 1/2 points in the high jump with a fourth-place clearance of 1.56 meters (5-1¼).

Senior Sophia Raymond (Woodstock, Illinois / Woodstock) rounded out the day's scoring with an eighth-place finish in the weight throw, recording a mark of 13.42 meters (44-0½).