Olivia Abbate had a strong showing in the 55 hurdles at the Harvard Open (Harvard Athletic Communications).

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – In its first action of the season, the Harvard indoor track and field team had a number of strong performances as it hosted the Harvard Open Saturday at Gordon Indoor Track.

Danielle Barbian (7.17) and Ashley Collinsworth (7.19) gave the Crimson a boost with a pair of sub-7.20 performances in the 55-meter dash and Martina Salander became just the second Crimson athlete in school history to break the eight-second mark in the 55 hurdles, winning the event in 7.96. Olivia Abbate (8.22) and Autumne Franklin (8.24) finished right behind Salander in the hurdles and both worked their way into the Harvard all-time top 10 as a result.

Salander also captured the 600 in a time of 1:38.68, and Franklin won the 300 with a 40.22 mark.  Ann Giebelhaus matched her career best in the high jump, winning the event with a clearance of 5' 7" (1.70m).

The men's squad saw Nico Weiler kick the season off with a win in the pole vault, clearing 16' 2.75" (4.95m), and Jesaiah Coy placed second in the 300 with a time of 35.74. Jarvis Harris ran a time of 7.66 in the 55 hurdles, good for third place in the event.

An intrasquad scrimmage is next up for the Crimson Jan. 11, followed by the Harvard Multi Meet/Harvard Challenge Jan. 18-19.