LA VERNE – The University of La Verne track and field teams turned in a number of strong individual performances Saturday in its season-opening indoor event, a multi-dual meet with Biola, Cal St. San Marcos and Palomar College.

The men claimed 12 of 16 events in the first competitive meet of the season.

Senior All-American Chancise Watkins edged out Biola's Kevin Horchler in the 600 meters with a time of 1:26.56 and six other Leopards posted individual victories. Sophomore All-SCIAC sprinter Nick Gonsalves sped off to a good start, registering a winning time of 7.09 seconds in the 60 meters and Jacob Lopez leaped 13.29m to take the triple jump.

James Francis cleared 1.88m in the high jump, Jason Nicholls notched a clearance of 4.40m in the pole vault and Art Hinojosa leapt a 5.93m in the long jump.

In the throwing events, Chris Gura and Matt Reinbolz earned victories in the shot put (12.78m) and the discus (39.10m).

The Leopards also won added wins in the 4x100 (43.25), the 4x400 (3:28.48) and the 4x800 relay (8:36.28) relays.

Deanna Doss swept the throwing events for the women. The senior registered a toss of 11.06 meters in the shot put, threw 36.75m in the discus and captured the javelin with a toss of 32.07m.

The reigning SCIAC outdoor 100-meter dash champion Nicole Crutchfield added a victory in the 60 meters with a time of 8.27.

Next weekend, the Leopards will travel to Flagstaff, Ariz. to participate in the Mountain T's Invitational hosted by the Northern Arizona University.