ALLENDALE, MI – Grand Valley State women’s team was the first-day leader at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championship as pole vaulter Kristen Hixson soared into the record books.

After Thursday’s first day, the Lakers led the field 28 points, followed by New Mexico Highlands (15), Ashland (14), Pittsburg State (11), Central Missouri (10) and Adams State (10) to round out the top five.

Hixson, a senior from Chippewa Hills High School, who was alone at 4.20 meters (13-feet-91/4) went on to clear 4.50 (14-91/4) on her third attempt to top the Division II All-Time Outdoor women's pole vault list.