Renae Swift's (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso H.S.) fifth-place finish in the 10,000m run led Valparaiso on the first day of competition Thursday at the Mid-Continent Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Macomb, Ill.

Swift crossed the line in the 10,000m run in 38:54.67, just eight and a half seconds behind the fourth-place finisher. Her time stands fourth on Valpo's all-time list in the event.

Amanda Hyttel (Racine, Wis./William Horlick H.S.) and Julie Flowers (Sterling Heights, Mich./Stevenson H.S.) each set personal bests in the hammer throw. Hyttel placed 11th with her toss of 101'4", while Flowers finished 12th with an effort of 83'9".

After three of 21 event finals, the Crusaders sit sixth out of seven teams with four points. Western Illinois leads the pack with 56 points. Action resumes on day two of the three-day meet Friday at 9:30 a.m.