BROOKLYN, N.Y - The LIU Brooklyn women's track and field team opens up the outdoor season this weekend at the University of South Florida Invitational.

The defending Northeast Conference Outdoor champions, the Blackbirds are coming off a second-place finish at this year's indoor meet after winning seven of the 17 events. Kyaira Wright-Harmon won three of four jump events, earning her NEC Overall Most Valuable Performer and Field Athlete of the Meet honors.

The Blackbirds have considerable depth in the sprints, and had several athletes in each event at the NEC indoor championships. Newcomer Stephanie Aidoo was named Most Outstanding Track Performer and will help LIU on its quest to repeat as NEC Outdoor champions. The junior won both the 200 and 400-meter dash. 

Fellow newcomers Elizabeth Adesanya, Nichole Candelabra and Cermorne Davis also made an impact in their first seasons, while returners Gabriella Ade-Onojobi, Bryanna Williams and Alea Stevens will continue to perform for LIU.

In February, Ade-Onojobi won the 60-meter hurdles, while Williams was second in the 60-meter dash by 0.04 seconds. Candelaria and Davis also earned a second place finishes, in the 400 and 200-meter dash, respectively.

The Blackbirds also have a strong presence in the relay events. LIU won the 4x400 at the NEC Indoor Championships after leading the conference performance list all season, and was all second in the distance medley relay.

After the USF Invitational, the Blackbirds head back down south for the University of Texas Relays from March 25-28.