CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The University of North Georgia (UNG) women's track team opened competition Friday at the Lee Fast Break Athletics Invitational, highlighted by solid distance performances on day one of the meet.

In the women's 5,000 meters, Ahna Hicks led the way for the Nighthawks, crossing the line in 19:26.22. Harleigh Smith followed with a time of 20:16.18, while Erin O'Brien finished just behind at 20:17.04.

North Georgia also competed in the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase, where Aubrey Dishman paced the squad with a 12th-place finish in 12:01.52. Tessie Braman recorded a top 20 finish with a time of 12:25.81, and Jordan Starling (12:38) along with Teagan Lamp (13:11.44) rounded out the Nighthawks' efforts in the event.

North Georgia returns to action Saturday with athletes set to run in the 400 meters, 800 meters and the 4x400-meter relay.