LEXINGTON, Va. – The George Mason men's and women's track and field teams competed in its first meet of the 2021 season on Saturday at the VMI Keydet Invitational in Lexington, Va.

Saturday's meet was highlighted by several top finishes and an impressive showing by Mason's newcomers.

Junior Cason Gardner picked up a first-place mark in the high jump (2.05m) while Benjamin Viau earned first in the weight throw (18.54m).

Freshman Kelsey Sebwe shined in her first collegiate meet, placing first in the women's triple jump with a mark of 11.14m. In addition, freshman Adia Palmer notched a third-place finish in the 400m (1:01.12).

On the men's side, rookies Elijah Brown (400m, 50.87) and Jarrett Flaker (200m, 22.28) recorded second-place marks in their respective events. Freshman Maximilian Karen's time of 22.56 earned him third in the 200m.

In the running events, sophomore Xavier Shirley placed third in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.96. Sundiata Kamau Jr. (7.02) and Isaiah Carter (7.19) finished fourth and fifth in the event, respectively.

Junior Kelly-Ann Downer was fourth in the 200m (25.77) and junior Davina Lane placed fourth in the 60m hurdles (9.27).

In the throw events, senior Jaylen Simmons placed second in both the weight throw (17.85m) and shot put (16.87m). Redshirt junior Grace Gaudin was second in the weight throw (17.30m) while Jessica McRae finished fourth (15.82m), followed by Hannah Cavanagh in fifth (15.06m).

Up next, the Patriots will head back to VMI for the Team Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 23.