CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – SIUE and Southeast Missouri's women tied 61-61 Friday to open the 2016-17 indoor track and field season.

The SIUE men dropped their matchup with SEMO 79-53. The event was scored with five points for first place, three for second, two for third and one for fourth, allowing for only two scorers from each team per event.

SIUE Head Coach Scott Block said the event met his expectations.

"These early meets are about knocking off the rust, and that is exactly what we did. It took a little time, but the athletes found their rhythm," said Block.

Four SIUE women recorded personal bests, three of which came in the same event.

Lizzie Virgl, Claire Nolan and Catherine Jakich each posted personal best throws for the Cougars. Megan Lauzon won the event with a throw of 56 feet. Virgl was second at 51-8.5 followed by Nolan's 48-9.5 and Jakich's 43-9.75.

Lacresha Linton also bested her top time at 55 meters in 7.50 seconds.

SIUE event winners included Aly Goff in the 800 (2:27.24), Deborrah Blackburn in the high jump (5-2.5), Nichyria Byrd in the long jump (19-0), Brittany Gibbs in the triple jump (38-9.75) and Nolan in the shot put (43-10.75).

On the men's side, Dalton Oaks set new personal bests at 55 meters (6.86) and the 55 hurdles (8.30). Bobby Kaluza took second with a PR in the 55 hurdles (7.91). Mladen Hristov added a PR in the long jump with a winning leap of 22-1.

Other event winners for the Cougars were Ezekiel Clerk in the triple jump (45-9), Martinus Mitchell in the shot put (51-9.25) and Alec Dutton in the weight throw (50-11).

"The freshmen got to find out first-hand what it takes to compete at this level and in this conference," said Block. "My hope is that this meet gives the athletes some motivation over break."

SIUE will be idle from competition until Jan. 14 when it travels to Champaign, Illinois, for the Illini Classic.