That is EXCELLENT for your first time doing autonomous. Heck it would be excellent for your 5th time. How are you telling it when to release and back off?
We are programing with LabVIEW and we built a vi that drive backward and lower the arm at a set speed. We tweaked the speeds till it worked and placed the vi after the line following program.
Test runs will vary if your field that you have been practicing on is different from the real deal. It should only be a small amount, but unfortunately they do not let you on the official field to practice and test. Just to run a match. I would recommend you have a close look at what is going on when your robot is messing up auto (if it messes up) so that you know how to fix it. Most if not all regionals have small practice area setup. I imagine this year it will be some carpet, rack, and a tower.
Good luck! You guys are looking great for a rookie team!