MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Saint Mary's University track and field coach Paul Thornton has high expectations for his Cardinal teams this season.

And if his teams' opening performance Saturday at the Northwest Open is any indication, the Cardinals on well on their way to meeting those expectations.

Amber Liss (Onalaska, Wis.) and Assumpta Mbele (Northfield, Minn.) picked up first-place finishes and Ethan Lane (Winona, Minn.) broke the school record in the 600 meters (1:27.13) in the season-opening event.

"All in all, it was a good meet," said SMU coach Paul Thornton. "Our performances were very good, but this meet also shows where we need to imrpvoe and what we need to do in regards to our training to get to the next level.

"The attitude of the athletes was very upbeat and positive," continued Thornton. "We'll continue to work hard at our main events and continue to strive to improve with each meet."

Liss picked up her first-place finish in the 600 meters, where she stopped the clock in 1:43.7. Mbele, meanwhile broke the teap in 62.0 to win the 400 meters. Ashley Dingels (Gibbon, Minn.) chipped in a third-place showing in the high jump, where she cleared 5-1 3/4.

"I thought Assumpta and Ashley turned in outstanding performances for their first collegiate meets," said Thornton. "And Amber ran a great race in the 600 — an event she's never run in before.

"Overall, I was very pleased — we definitely got the season off on the right foot."