Philadelphia, Pa. - (April 26, 2012) - The 2012 Penn Relays kicked off at Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Thursday with the Fordham women's track & field team opening competition in five events on day one.

Highlighting the day's event, freshman Kristen Stuart broke the school record in the 400 meter hurdles for the third time this season, as she placed 25th in the Championship division in an ECAC qualifying time of 1:01.81. Her previous school mark was 1:02.75.

Fordham also had top 25 finishes in the College Division of the javelin throw and the Eastern Division of the high jump. Blair Hassell placed 22nd in the javelin throw with a distance of 121' 10", while Courtnay Newman tied for 20th in the high jump, clearing 5' 3".

In the relays, Fordham competed in both the 4x100 and the 4x400 relays, however, the 4x100 relay, which was on pace for a school record, dropped the baton in one of the exchanges and was disqualified. In the 4x400, the Rams' group of Titi Fagade, Averie Sheppard, Elisabeth Warren, and Kelly Connolly took second in their heat and 36th overall in a time of 3:47.26.

Day two of the Penn Relays will begin at 9:00 AM on Friday.