DUBUQUE — Scoring in four of six events, the Central College women's track and field team is in fifth after the first day of competition at the American Rivers Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships.

The Dutch have 24 points and trail the University of Dubuque's leading total of 58.5.
           
Central scored three in the pentathlon, including an all-conference effort by Krissa Larson (senior, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS). Larson placed third with 2,929 points after recording the best 60-meter hurdles (9.52 seconds) and long jump (16 feet, 11.25 inches) in the field. Taryn Hintz (sophomore, Primghar, South O'Brien HS) was fourth (2, 868 points) and Rayna Sickels (freshman, Indianola) was fifth (2,582 points).
           
"We started strong in the pentathlon," coach Brandon Sturman said. "We faded a little bit but then gave it their all in the last two events. The top-two finishers in our league are phenomenal athletes."
           
Shaving 55 seconds off her previous career-best time in the 5,000-meter run, Megan Johnson (sophomore, Parkersburg, Aplington-Parkersburg HS) was sixth in 18 minutes, 16.62 seconds. She's now No. 3 on Central's all-time list.
           
"She ran her heart out," Sturman said. "It was a phenomenal field. Our conference is the best in the county and when you're running against national qualifiers, sometimes you're best effort won't even get you in the top three."

In the distance medley relay, Alyssa Mayhew (sophomore, North Aurora, Ill., West Aurora HS), Abby Gruver (sophomore, Sully, Lynnville-Sully HS), Lauren Coon (junior, Oskaloosa) and Sara Goodenbour (freshman, Cedar Falls) were fifth in 13:06.83.
           
Cali Coffman (junior, Leawood, Kan., Blue Valley HS) finished in a three-way tie for sixth place in the pole vault, clearing the bar at 9-4.5.

Day two of the American Rivers Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships starts at 10 a.m. Saturday morning.