EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Fighting Illini women's track and field team tallied 11.5 points and is in sixth place following the first day of competition at the 2015 Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The Orange and Blue only had competitors in two events on the opening day of the championships but came away with a Big Ten champion and another place winner.

Similar to the first day of the Big Ten Indoor Track and Field Championships back in February, Stephanie Richartz was the opening-day star for the Orange and Blue. The Illini senior capped her Big Ten career with her third Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships pole vault title. Richartz set a new Big Ten Outdoor meet record and broke her own school record, clearing 4.37m (14' 4") en route to the win.

In addition to the 10 points awarded to Illinois for Richartz's victory, the team collected another 1.5 points from Jennifer DeBellis in the event. DeBellis tied for seventh with a clearance of 4.02m (13' 2.25"). Sara McKeeman also competed in the pole vault, finishing 22nd with a jump of 3.77m (12' 4.50").

On the track, the Orange and Blue had a pair of distance runners compete in the 10,000m. Alyssa Schneider was the top finisher among the two, crossing the line in 35:47.76 to claim 10th. Audrey Blazek was the other Illini competitor and she completed the her first-ever 10,000m in 36:56.16 to take 15th.

Michigan State leads the team score with 26 points after the opening day of competition, while Minnesota (21) and Nebraska (18) sit in second and third. Indiana (14) and Michigan (12) round out the top five.

Illinois will be back in action tomorrow for running event prelims, beginning with the 1,500m at 2:30 p.m. ET. The discus will be the first field event of the day for the Illini and it is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.

Big Ten Championships Team Standings
1. Michigan St. - 26
2. Minnesota - 21
3. Nebraska - 18
4. Indiana - 14
5. Michigan - 12
6. Illinois - 11.5
T-7. Wisconsin - 6
T-7. Iowa - 6
9. Purdue - 1.5
10. Penn State - 1

Illinois Results at 2015 Big Ten Indoor Championships

10,000m
10. Alyssa Schneider - 35:47.76
15. Audrey Blazek - 36:56.16

Pole Vault
1. Stephanie Richartz - 4.37m (14' 4")* - 10 team points
T-7. Jennifer DeBellis - 4.02m (13' 2.25") - 1.5 team points
22. Sara McKeeman - 3.77m (12' 4.50")

* Big Ten Outdoor Championships meet record and Illinois school record