LA VERNE, Calif. – Loyola Chicago opened competition in California on Thursday, highlighted by a personal-best performance from James Howell in the 800m.

Howell placed second overall in the event at the Leopard Invitational, clocking a personal-best time of 1:52.37.

At the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, Calif., Jacquelyn Kowalewski competed in the 3k steeplechase, finishing eighth in her heat with a time of 11:14.60. Kowalewski's finish ranks 10th-fastest in Loyola's annals.

Action continues Friday in La Verne with the women's 1,500m and 5k. At the Bryan Clay Invitational, Loyola will compete in the men's 800m and the men's and women's 5k.