PRINCETON, N.J. — The Cornell women's track and field team opened competition at the Larry Ellis Invitational on Friday with a strong showing, highlighted by a freshman record and multiple top finishes.

Freshman Sophia Comfere led the way on the track, placing 10th in the 800 meters with a time of 2:06.88. The mark sets a new Cornell freshman record and ranks No. 9 all-time in outdoor program history. Senior Katja Jackson followed in 15th at 2:07.89, while freshman Ava Pennachio placed 26th in 2:11.92.

In the 1500 meters, sophomores Tenley Nelson and Fiona Lee turned in nearly identical performances, finishing 12th and 14th, respectively, in 4:27.20 and 4:27.80.

Junior Maisie McManus added a top-10 finish in the 3000-meter steeplechase, placing ninth in 10:35.99, while sophomore Lucia Werner took 23rd in the 5000 meters with a time of 17:39.07.

In the field events, senior Paula-Marie Brown earned a podium finish in the long jump, placing third with a leap of 5.98 meters that moves her to No. 8 on Cornell's all-time outdoor list.

Junior Avery Hastings led Cornell in the hammer throw with a 12th-place finish at 54.22m, followed by freshman Gabriella Vizcarrondo in 17th at 50.26m. Freshman Lauren Smith rounded out the field performances with a 12th-place finish in the javelin at 39.98m.

Mairead Clas capped day one of competition with a sixth place finish in the women's seeded 5000m, crossing the finish at 16:02.85, improving to No. 3 in the outdoor program record book.

Competition at the Larry Ellis Invitational continues Saturday in Princeton, with events beginning at 11 a.m. Live results will be available on Leone Timing.