COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Alexus Henry‘s victory in the women’s high jump highlighted the UTA track and field team’s season debut Saturday at the Ted Nelson Invitational.

Henry, the indoor school record holder and former Bridge City Lady Cardinal standout, cleared 1.77m (5-9 ¾). It was the strongest performance of the day for UTA, which competed against a tough opening-meet field that included powerhouse programs Texas A&M and Clemson.

“I saw enough today to be encouraged, and yet we have a lot of work to do as well,” UTA coach John Sauerhage said. “We are glad to have a meet under our belts, and we will get right back to work.”

Also in the women’s field events, Chineme Obikudu placed fourth in the triple jump with a best mark of 12.33 meters (40-5½). Meanwhile, Madison Pecot finished sixth in the women’s pole vault, clearing 3.57m (11-8½).

A pair of Maverick women placed among the top eight in the long jump, courtesy of strong efforts by Juleen Lewis (5th, 18-7) and Chante Matthews (7th, 18-1¾).

On the track, freshman Madeleine Rowe placed seventh in the women’s mile (5:07.02), the first running final of the day.

The men also had strong showings in the jumps. Joshua Canete (5th) and Branden Perry(7th) placed among the top 8 in the high jump. Both men had best clearances of 2.03m (6-8).

Three Mavericks placed third through fifth in the men’s mile. Michael Guerrero crossed first among the trio in 4:14.67, just ahead of Joel Duren (4:14.86) and Justin Domangue (4:15.93). Brady Steele continued the success in the distance events, corralling fifth place in the 3000 meters with a clocking of 8:27.64.

Meanwhile, Erik Martinsson (5th, 47.84) and D’Undre Mitchell (7th, 48.34) gave the Mavericks a pair of point scorers in the men’s 400m.

Finally, Petter Gustafsson took fifth in the 60m hurdles (8.17), while Demarviae Gray finished sixth in the 200 meters with a time of 21.93.

The Mavericks will return to action Jan. 26-27 at the Texas Tech Invitational in Lubbock.