The University of Maine Black Bears track and field kicked off the 2015 outdoor season on Saturday at arch rival University of New Hampshire (UNH) with the men taking first overall and the women taking third.

The men’s team was able to capture five individual first place finishes. Fourth-year thrower Alexander Parenteau won the javelin with an impressive throw of 55.65 meters.

The Black Bears were dominant in the distance events. Second-year distance runner Levi Frye carried over the success from his dominant indoor season, taking home first in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a time of 10:18.76.

Maine also saw fourth-year distance runner Jake Leithiser win the 800-meter run in a time of 2:04.43, and fourth-year distance runner Jarrod Lenfest take first in the 5000-meter run in 15:44.16.

Third-year jumper Julian Hubbard was also able to keep his momentum rolling from indoor to outdoor, winning the triple jump with 13.80 meter jump.

Other notable finishes on the men’s side included third-year sprinter Michael Lucas placing second in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 59.51 and fourth-year jumper Herby Lafortune finished second in the long jump with a jump of 6.52 meters.

The Maine men’s team finished with a total of 146 points, good for first overall at the meet.

On the women’s side, second-year thrower Ashley Donohoe had a big day, winning both the shot put and the discus with throws of 12.09 meters and 39.51 meters respectively.

Both the 4×100 and 4×400 meter relays were able to capture first for the Black Bears. The 4×400 meter relay included second-year sprinter Teal Jackson, first-year sprinter Kaitlin Saulter, fourth-year distance runner Mary Scanlan and second-year distance runner Kelsey Maxim. The 4×100 meter relay included third-year sprinter Katelyn Guilmette, second-year sprinter Grace MacLean, Jackson and third-year pole vaulter Jaclyn Masters.

Other notable finishes on the women’s side included second-year distance runner Hannah Stefl winning the 3000-meter steeplechase in 13:51.52, fourth-year thrower Robyn McFetters winning the hammer throw with a 53.52 meter throw and Jaclyn Masters winning the pole vault with a 3.72 meter vault.

The women were able to capture third overall at the meet, scoring 147 points as a team.

The track and field teams will be back in action at the Wildcat Invitational on April 11th at the University of New Hampshire.