For anyone who’s sat through an Oregon Preview track and field meet when it’s been raining, sleeting or snowing — sometimes all on the same day — Saturday’s sunshine was definitely a highlight.

Oregon had a few memorable moments as well.

Fresh off a pair of NCAA indoor track and field championships, the Ducks kicked off their outdoor season at Hayward Field in front of a crowd of 4,611.

“This is my ninth year at Oregon,” coach Robert Johnson said, “and this is the second time ever we’ve had weather like this at a Preview.”

The Ducks didn’t wait long to get going, with their women’s 4×100 “A” relay setting a meet record in 44.10 seconds, sixth fastest in UO history.

“The main goal was to get the stick around and try to have as (few) slowdowns as possible,” said Jenna Prandini, who ran the third leg. “So for the first race and having very little practices, I think it was a really good race.”

Freshman Marybeth Sant, senior Phyllis Francis, Prandini and freshman Jasmine Todd made up the team, with Sant running the opening leg and Todd finishing it off.

“This is the fastest time we’ve ever run and it’s only going to go up from here,” Prandini said.

The women had few other impressive marks, notably by junior Lauren Crockett with a personal best in the high jump of 6 feet, Â 1/2 inch, tying her for third on Oregon’s all-time list.

“Anytime you jump that well and that high this early is a good sign,” Johnson said. “Obviously, she’s still riding some of the fitness from the indoor season.”

Crockett, who has been working herself into multi-event shape, also finished third in the 100 hurdles in 14.32 and ran a leg of the 4×400 relay.

“After nationals I really wanted to come into this and just have fun,” Crockett said. “I didn’t put too much pressure on myself. … I was super relaxed and it definitely helped.”

Freshman Christian Brennan looked strong in her wins in the 200 and 400. Sammie Clark set a personal record with her win in the pole vault, clearing 13-7, fourth on Oregon’s all-time list.

Freshman Brittany Mann also threw 53-4 Â 1/2 to win the shot put and move up to No. 2 all-time at Oregon.

On the men’s side, senior Tim Costin ran his first outdoor race in two years and earned his first win in a Duck uniform.

The Springfield native was all smiles after winning the 2,000 steeplechase in 5:46.46.

“It’s an accomplishment just to get back on the track and then to get my first win as a Duck in front of the home crowd is absolutely awesome,” said Costin, who finished sixth at the Pac-12 meet in 2012 but was injured last season. “It’s a beautiful day and training over the winter has been absolutely phenomenal. I knew I was ready to rumble.”

Sam Crouser won the javelin with a throw of 219-4, a rather pedestrian mark for someone with a PR of 265-1. But Johnson said the junior has been tinkering with his approach.

“Not the best day distance-wise but closer as far as being technically sound,” Johnson said. “You got to take a step back before you make a step forward.”

Greg Skipper also looked sharp in the hammer, winning at 212-0, and Jeramy Elkaim won the 1,500 (3:45.33) and was second in the 3,000 (8:11.39).

“Overall great day,” Johnson said. “Lots of solid opening performances.”

And a little sunshine to go with them.

Follow Chris on Twitter @chansen_RG . Email chris.hansen@registerguard.com .