DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The University of North Georgia (UNG) women's track and field team opened competition at the Peach Belt Conference Outdoor Championship on Friday, highlighted by a podium finish from Aubrey Dishman in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

Dishman led the way for the Nighthawks with a third-place finish, crossing the line in 11:37.28. Tessie Braman added a strong performance in the same event, placing fifth with a time of 11:48.25. Jordan Starling finished eighth in 12:16.85, followed by Katelyn Harper in 10th (12:27.31) and Harleigh Smith in 12th (12:58.88), giving North Georgia five scorers in the event.

In the 1,500 meters, Ahna Hicks turned in a seventh-place finish with a time of 4:45.32, adding to the Nighthawks' point total on the day.

Natalie Long competed in the 400-meter preliminaries, placing 15th with a time of 1:02.52.

North Georgia returns to action Saturday with competitors set for the 5,000 meters, 800 meters and the 4x400-meter relay as the championship meet continues.