Syracuse, N.Y. - St. John's University women's track & field team stands in ninth place with 17 points after the first day of competition at the BIG EAST Championships, being held at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. The SJU men are currently tied for ninth place with seven points.

Leading the way for the women was Sheba George, who placed second in the 20 lb. weight throw with an NCAA provisional mark of 18.20. Nicola Coffey, also competeing in the weight throw, placed fourth with an ECAC qualifying mark of 16.18. Renee Castelo helped the women's score with a fifth place finish in the multi's with 3442 points.

Tiehise Shell qualified for the finals in two events, the 60M and 200M. During the prelims, Shell clocked ECAC qualification marks in both events (7.7 in 60M and 24.72 in 200M).

On the men's side, George Maringapasi took third place in the long jump with a 7.09m mark. In the weight throw Jason Goulart managed a 16.25m performance for eighth place. Advancing to the finals for the men is Blessing Chimwanda who posted a 1:04.98 time in the 500M.

The Championship concludes tomorrow at the Carrier Dome. For complete meet results visit the BIG EAST website at www.bigeast.org.