NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Columbia competed in the 2007 Yale Season Opener at Coxe Cage December 8. The men’s and women’s teams combined for four first-place finishes, while sweeping the top three spots in three events.

On the women’s side, first- year Abigail Dubin-Rhodin captured the one-mile run with a time of 5:19.08. Sophomore Serita Lechesis finished second in the 1000 meters with a time of 2:54.65, narrowly being edged by Caryn Waterson who crossed the line in 2:53.75.

The Lions captured the top three places in the 800m. Junior Marissa Smith won the event with a time of 2:18.95. Senior Yvonne Maginley took second, crossing the line at 2:24.23, while first-year Laura Vogel rounded out the top three with a time of 2:26.08.

Three first-year Lions swept the top three spots in the triple jump. Nicole Opareke jumped 11.22m for first place. Jacqui Brown jumped 10.95m, and Courtney Loftin jumped 10.79m.

On the men’s side, the Lions took the top three finishes in the mile. Crossing the finish line first with a time of 4:17.58 was senior Jonah Rathbun. Just behind him was first-year Jeff Moriarty at 4:19.73. Rounding out the top three was sophomore Mike Mark with a time of 4:20.77.

The Lions return to action Saturday, January 19 where they will compete against Dartmouth and Yale in Hanover, N.H.