Leach, Lacy, Watkins, Watson & Viuf Advance At NCAA Championships
June 10, 2009
Despite a two hour inclement weather delay, the 12th-ranked Bruin women had a strong showing on day one of the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas as five women advanced to the next round of their respective events.
Senior Leach won heat three of the 400m hurdles and and ran the fastest qualifier of all competitors with her time of 56.46, advancing to Thursday's semifinals.
Shortly after Leach's race, inclement weather comprised of heavy rain, thunder and lightning forced the postponing of the meet for two hours. Once the weather cleared out, the meet was back on as the layoff did not hinder the competitions for seniors Rhonda Watkins and Krystin Lacy and juniors Danielle Watson and Katy Viuf.
Watkins finished eighth in the long jump with a leap of 20-9, while Watson tied for ninth with a mark of 20-4.50. Both will compete in the final on Thursday at 4:45 pm (CST).
Lacy was third in her heat of the 400m to automatically qualify for the semifinals as she was 13th overall in a time of 53.71. She will run in the semifinal round on Friday evening.
Viuf tied for 13th in the pole vault with a clearance of 13-1.50 and advanced to the finals, which will be held on Friday.
Also on Thursday, junior Krishna Curry competed in the prelims of the 800m, finishing fifth in her heat and 21st overall in a time of 2:08.63.