BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The Moravian College women's track and field team begins its outdoor season this weekend in the pursuit of another Landmark Conference title. After winning their eighth indoor title this winter, the Hounds were projected to finish first in the Landmark Conference coaches preseason poll with Susquehanna University a close second.

"We had a pretty successful indoor season on the women's side at the conference meet, but as with the men's team, we've stressed additional objectives to keep us focused," stated Head Coach Jesse Baumann.

The Greyhounds have 11 seniors who are looking to end their careers undefeated, nine of which have earned Landmark All-Conference accolades while returning a young core eager to prove themselves and build upon the winter season. Anchoring the Hounds are seniors Dana Fineman, who finished 14th at the Indoor NCAA Championships this past winter in the pole vault, Brianna Wright, Brielle Sutter and Morgan Redmond who paired with junior Corinne Glass to set a school and conference record this winter in the 4x200-meter relay.

Baumann commented, "Dana made enormous strides in the pole vault indoors that we're expecting to continue with outdoors. After how successful our 4x200 relay was indoors with a new school record, we're certainly hoping that success can translate to outdoors in the 4x100 and that group can aim for the NCAAs both as individuals and with the relay."

Senior Emily Lambright won the 3,000 and 5,000 this winter and garnered All-Region honors in cross country this past fall is closing in on her final season. Senior Jenny Kratch is leading the young group of throwers after qualifying for ECACs this winter as well as junior Abbey Clark and freshman Ciara Stewart.

"Emily Lambright is way ahead of where she even was indoors so we're hoping for big things outdoors. Our young throwing crew made huge contributions indoors and with the javelin and hammer added outdoors, I expect newcomers Nicole Capuano, Mary Kate Duncan, and senior Jenny Kratch to contend for ECAC qualifiers, and hopefully beyond," stated Baumann.

Freshman Melissa Cheong gathered up Rookie of the Year honors this winter while sophomore Kiara Bright and junior Christelle Reglas all qualified for ECACs this winter and are expected to set the same pace this spring.

"Our jumpers have been getting in great workouts on the track and in the weight room now so we're hoping for that to result in some ECAC qualifications, if not more from Kiara Bright, Christelle Reglas, and Morgan Redmond," said Baumann.

With the Landmark Championships set for May 2 and 3 at Susquehanna University, the women will need to stay focused as they set their sights on title number eight and have more representation at ECACs and NCCAs which is always the goal each season.

"As long as we can stay healthy and keep everyone motivated, I think our women can have a good meet at Landmarks, and then hopefully we can increase our qualifiers for ECACs and NCAAs," stated Baumann.

Moravian is set to open their season on Sunday, March 29 at the 7-Way Meet at Lafayette College.