HIGH POINT, N.C. – Six from the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's and women's track & field team ran personal bests on day one of the VertKlasse Meeting Friday evening.
 
Six other Spartans ran an event for the first time.
 
On the women's side, graduate student Ariana Garcia led the way in the 1500-meter run with her personal best time of 4:37.34. She finished fifth out of 87 competitors and second in her section.
 
Senior Chandler McCaslin was the next Blue & Gold on the results list with her personal best time of 4:43.99 in the event. She placed 15^th overall and fourth in her section. Sophomore Shay Soukup followed, taking 22^nd with her time of 4:50.66.
 
In her second collegiate outdoor meet, freshman Bella Manfre ran a personal best time of 5:03.15, finishing 34^th, but took the top time in her section.
 
From the men's squad, senior Joe Thoma led the way in the 1500-meter run. He finished sixth overall with his personal best time of 3:56.38, which was sixth in his section. Junior Michael Zapherson also earned a top-10 mark, placing ninth out of 80 competitors. His personal best time of 3:58.35 was the top mark in his section.
 
Senior Colin Alexander took home 14^th overall clocking in a time of 4:00.27, while freshman Spencer Connick placed 52^nd with his personal best time of 4:24.05. Connick was second in his section.
 
Freshman Ethan Long, in his first collegiate outdoor meet, finished the 5000-meter run with a time of 15:04.96. His time was third out of 34 competitors and third in his section.
  
Up Next
UNCG will return to Vert Stadium tomorrow, Saturday, April 2 for day two of the VertKlasse Meeting, hosted by High Point. The track events begin at 9:00 a.m. A ESPN+ stream will begin at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow.
 
Results - Women
1500m
5. Ariana Garcia – 4:37.34
15. Chandler McCaslin – 4:43.99
22. Shay Soukup – 4:50.66
34. Bella Manfre – 5:03.15
45. Camille Carlson – 5:09.66
53. Serena Henderson – 5:17.68
61. Meredith Roberts – 5:35.73
73. Jessica Cullins – 5:39.76
74. Jasmine Cullins - 5:39.80
 
Results - Men
1500m
6. Joe Thoma – 3:56.38
9. Michael Zapherson – 3:58.35
14. Colin Alexander – 4:00.27
52. Spencer Connick – 4:24.05
53. Brandon Hernandez – 4:24.14
 
5000m
3. Ethan Long – 15:04.96