ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — UNO’s fourth-place finish at the Division II national indoor track and field meet this weekend is something that the Mavericks hope can lead to bigger and better things.

“It gives you a chance to maintain a level for the future,” the University of Nebraska at Omaha coach Steve Smith said. “When you start something rolling like winning conference championships (the Mavs have won two straight MIAA indoors) and finishing in the top five at the national meet, it can lead to more success.

“You can be nervous at the national meet if you’re not used to being there, but things like this help you become more seasoned. Once you become accustomed to that level of competition, you get a level of confidence going within your program. You get a tradition going and kids feed off that success.”

Anja Puc and Nkeiruka Domike won national championships in the 800 meters and triple jump, respectively, and UNO finished with 45 points, just two points out of second place. Traditional power Lincoln (Mo.) won the team title with 56 points.

“We might have lost two points here and there, but we gained two points here and there, too,” Smith said. “We had to have no mistakes and have some unexpected things happen.”

UNO jumped one spot after finishing fifth indoors last year, which had tied the school’s best indoor performance.

Smith was pleased with the breakthrough performance of Kayla Koepke of Hadar, Neb., in the 400 after she shaved more than a second off her previous best to finish fifth in 55.64. And shot putter Heather Minssen of Underwood, Iowa, who had been having a rough day and qualified last for the final, came through on her final effort with 49 feet-½ inch for third place.

“Heather had a tough start and really battled back,” Smith said. “Then she still took it to the next level to finish in the top three. That shows some determination.”

Puc’s time of 2:07.14 in the 800 broke her own school record.

“This is my third year in nationals,” Puc said. “I definitely feel good about running well and improving my time, but I’m glad that we were all here together.”

Domike’s triple jump of 42-214 was her fifth consecutive school-record jump in as many meets.

“I was excited about it,” she said. “It was a very nice track to compete at, I thought. I really just try to get better every week, and I am always looking to jump farther.”

Senior Shannon Moore finished third in the pentathlon with 3,923 points, one point out of second. She was also eighth in the 60 hurdles in 8.86.

Maja Mihalinec was seventh in the 60 in 7.58.

Koepke combined with Puc, Mihalinec and Moore to finish third in the 1,600-meter relay in 3:45.85.

UNO has a positive outlook for the outdoor season, as well. Pinar Saka, the former indoor national athlete of the year, had to sit out the indoor season but has one final season of outdoor eligibility remaining. However, Domike is eligible only for indoor competition so will sit out until next season.

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