TOPEKA, Kan. – Missouri Southern opened competition at the Washburn Open on Friday with a strong showing in the distance events at Sneed Indoor Athletic Facility.

Jaden Deaton highlighted the day for the Lions in the men's 5,000 meters, finishing seventh overall with a personal-best time of 14:20.58. His performance marked an NCAA Qualifying standard and continued a strong indoor campaign for the senior.

On the women's side, Lilah Genel recorded a top-10 finish in the 5,000 meters, with a time of 17:25.70 as she closed out Friday's distance events for MSSU.

Missouri Southern will continue its indoor season at the Pittsburg State Invitational on January 31 at the Robert W. Plaster Center.

Men's 5,000m
Jaden Deaton
7th place – 14:20.58 (PR), NCAA Qualifying Mark

Women's 5,000m
Lilah Genel
10th place – 17:25.70