ORLANDO - UMBC track & field opened up the outdoor season on Friday at the UCF Black & Gold Challenge. The Retrievers completed a successful day one of competition with multiple top-10 all-time marks and are back at it tomorrow for day two of the event. 

On the men's side, Justin Febles placed seventh in the 400 hurdles, clocking a new personal best time of 53.01 seconds to move into fifth on the all-time list. The The sophomore's top time as a freshman was 53.91 at the IC4A/ECAC Championships last May. 

Scott Gersten improved on his personal best in the javelin, remaining in sixth on the all-time outdoor list with a throw of 56.62m. Gersten previously recorded a pair of 56.33m throws. 

Alim Raji opened his outdoor season, placing 39th in the 200 with a time of 21.80 seconds. 

On the women's side, Lily Bandy continued a standout freshman campaign by opening up her collegiate outdoor career with a time of 24.15 in the 200. She placed 29th while taking over third-place on the UMBC outdoor list. Anna Creel nearly matched her PR time of 24.55, placing 47th with a time of 24.57. 

In the field, Ava Roberts started the season well, placing second in the shot put with a 15.93m throw. The women's program record holder will look to match her outstanding 2024 outdoor season, which saw her reach the NCAA East First Round in the event. Marie Abongwa placed 13th in the hammer throw with a 50.02-meter toss. 

Competition will start at 10 a.m. tomorrow for day two of the Black & Gold Challenge.