DURHAM, N.C. - Bethany King became only the third woman in school history to run under 4:40 in the 1,500-meters, leading the VMI track and field efforts on the opening day of the Duke Invitational, contested Friday in Durham, N.C.

King finished 29th in a crowded field, but her time was the story as she crossed the line in 4:37.96. That moved her up one spot - to 12th - on the conference performance list, and caused her to join Jenna Vilushis (Moye) and Emily Dinning as the only women to run under 4:40 in the event in program history.

Ariana Ruffin was also in action, running in the 400-meters, and moved into sixth on the SoCon performance list with a time of 57.69. Ruffin equaled her personal best, accomplished during the indoor season, with the time, and finished 28th.

Two Keydets were also in action in invitational sections Friday, with Kerisha Goode placing 13th in the invite section of the 100-meter dash (12.01) and Lee Warren finishing 13th in that section of the 110 hurdles (14.77).

"Bethany King has been excellent this year," said VMI head coach Darrin Webb. "Her work in training is clearly paying off with great results on the track. We had other good performances today as well, and look forward to more tomorrow at this good event."

VMI track and field returns to action Saturday, when the Keydets wrap up the Duke Invite beginning at 10 a.m.