COLUMBIA, S.C. – All-American sprinter Kiara Grant picked up where she left off last year, winning the 60-meter dash in the Spartans' first track and field meet in 11 months on Saturday at the Gamecock Opener at the University of South Carolina.

Grant, a four-time All-American, clocked a time of 7.35 seconds to set a facility record in NSU's first meet of the indoor season. The pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 outdoor and cross country seasons, meaning these were the Spartans' first competitive races since last February at the MEAC Indoor Championships.

"It was just another day at the office for Kiara," said NSU Director of Track & Field Kenneth Giles. "She did what she had to do to get a victory. She looked like she hasn't taken 11 months off."

The same could be said of fellow senior Malika Pride and junior Kara Grant. Pride posted a time of 55.24 seconds in her fourth-place showing in the 400 meters, while Grant was the runner-up in the 800 meters in 5:18.29.

Elsewhere on the track, sophomore Indya Richards placed sixth in the 60m hurdles in 8.86 seconds.

The Spartans' field contingent was led by junior Arieana Parker. The school record-holder in the weight throw opened her season by finishing fourth in her signature with a top heave of 55 feet, 3.75 inches. Fellow thrower Tiara Simms placed eighth in the shot put with a best effort of 39-3.

Pole vaulter Kylis Gilmore placed sixth with a top height of 6-7.

"Overall, I'm pleased with the results for the most part," Giles said. "It wasn't a bad start for a young team which has not competed in almost a year."

The Spartans are back in action next Saturday at the VMI Team Challenge.