West Region Competition Begins

EUGENE, Ore. -- On day one of the NCAA West Region Preliminary, six athletes from the BYU women’s track and field team advanced to the finals in their respective events.

Lacey Bleazard, the reigning indoor 800 meter National Champion, led the way for the Cougars in the 800m with an eighth place finish in 2:07.26 to advance to the finals. Also advancing were junior Katie Palmer in 14th place (2:07.60) and Nicole Clark in 21st place (2:08.97).

In the 1500m, senior Kari Hardt qualified for the finals with a 16th place finish in 4:24.28. Senior Stacy Slight missed the cutoff for the finals with a 36th place finish.

Senior Porshe Giddings, the lone sprinter representing the BYU women, moved on to the 100m finals with a time of 11.65.

Also qualifying for the finals was Morgan Haws in the 10000 meters. Haws crossed the line in 33:41.21 to take 11th place and move on in the event. Former All-American Cecily Lemmon-Lew narrowly missed the finals with a 14th place finish.

The throws athletes had an off day for the Cougars as all three missed the cut for the finals. Javelin throws Allyson Wardell and Amber Freeman placed 18th and 28th, respectively.

Cassandra Woodall competed in the shot put and managed a 37th place finish with a throw of 14.16m (46-5.5). Woodall will compete in the hammer throw on Friday.

The 400m hurdles also took place on Thursday and senior Alyssa Christensen represented the Cougars. Christensen finished 29th in 1:00.71 to miss the finals but will compete in the 100m hurdles on Friday.

Competition at the NCAA West Region meet will resume on Friday at 11:00 am MT with the women's hammer throw. The University of Oregon will provide a webcast on its website, www.goducks.com and will begin coverage at 4 pm MT.

To view live results CLICK HERE.