JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. Appalachian State women's track and field returned to action Friday, taking part in East Tennessee State’s annual Niswonger Invitational.

The Niswonger Invitational showcases some of the world’s top collegiate, post collegiate, and professional athletes with over 1,500 athletes from 75 teams competing in the two-day event.

Despite the stiff competition, several Appalachian athletes enjoyed stellar individual performances Friday, with season and personal best marks being set by multiple Mountaineers.

Kiara Crutchfield qualified for the finals in the 60m hurdles with a time of 9.08 in the preliminary round. The junior’s time bettered her previous season-best of 9.12 set at the Tar Heel Invitational earlier this month.

Reigning SoCon Athlete of the Week Ashley McKiver posted a season-best time of 7.91 in the 60m hurdles but fell just short of the qualifying mark for the finals.

Whitney Smyre finished fifth in the weight throw with a toss of 55-06. 5 and also added a fifth place finish in the shot put, posting a distance of 44-05.25.

In the pole vault, senior Julie Ward placed fifth with a mark of 11-05, while Ashley Beale claimed seventh place with a 10-10 jump.

The majority of Friday’s action was comprised of preliminary events, be sure to check GoASU.com tomorrow for a full recap of the Niswonger Invitational.