MONTEVALLO, Ala.—In the first outdoor track meet of the season, Jax State scored a pair of top finishes at the Falcon Classic at the University of Montevallo.
 
On the women's side, Bethelhem Manzano Jimeno took first in the 800 Meters in a time of 2:16.48. Breanna Becerra was fourth in 2:23.51 and freshman Katie Langford rounded out the top five with a time of 2:25.08
 
"I'm happy with Katie's progress in the 800," said coach Jeremy Provence. "In tough conditions she set a personal best and looked strong in the final 200 meters."
 
In the 5,000 Meters, freshman Naum Kibiwott was fifth in a time of 19:21.79.
 
"Naum ran well in her first outdoor meet," said Provence. "Her fitness is improving and she is gaining more and more confidence."
 
Lindsay Fletcher was fourth in the 1500 in a time of 5:04.56 and Rudi Barnette was 13^th in 5:28.4.
 
The women posted 29 points to finish seventh among the 16 teams competing.
 
"I am happy with the effort we competed with," said Provence of the women's team. "We could have easily let the tough conditions get us down, but I thought the women did a good job of getting in position and competing really well."
 
Junior Jack Lowe picked up a win in the 5,000 Meters in a time of 14:48.01 and sophomore Dennis Kipurui was fifth in 15:12. Freshman Mark Roper was sixth in his first outdoor meet in 15:17.5.
 
"Big congratulations to Jack for winning the 5K and improving his own meet record from last year," said Provence.
 
Also, in the 5K, Rodrigo Fraga Odriozola was 11^th in 15:36, and Stephen Billman was 13^th in 15:36.
 
"I'm also really proud of Stephen for his personal best," said Provence. "It's great to see his hard work pay off."
 
Rounding out the field in the event were Steele Joiner in 18^th with a time of 16:06, Blake Graham 19^th in 16:29, and J.R. Proctor was 24^th in 16:40.
 
Kaden Harris posted aa 4:23.22 in the 1500 to earn 16^th place.
 
"Overall, we are still learning how to be comfortable being uncomfortable," said Provence of the men's squad. "We need to improve our ability to take control of a tough situation and create something positive from it."
 
As a team, the men posted 17 points for a 13^th place finish among the 20 teams in attendance.
 
The Gamecocks will head across the border to Starkville next weekend for the Bulldog Relays hosted by Mississippi State.