The Dordt University women's 4x800 relay qualified for nationals with their performance tonight on day one of the SDSU Indoor Classic held in Brookings, S.D.

• Results | 

The Defenders edged out Dickinson State (N.D.) for first place this evening, but more importantly, met the NAIA 'A' standard and qualified for the upcoming NAIA Indoor National Championships. The team of Shelby Buwalda, Anmarie Stuit, Bethany Ten Haken and Emilee Heynen finished with a GPAC-leading time of 9:34.23, currently the second fastest in the NAIA. 

The Defenders distance medley finished as the top NAIA team and placed seventh overall with a time of 12:37.59. Team members include Kristine Honomichl, Ayda Den Herder, Mika Kooistra and Molly Mulder.

Both Taylor Anema and Elyse Kuperus had strong races in the 3000m. Anema ran a season-best time of 10:38, currently the fourth fastest in the GPAC, while Kuperus ran a career-best time of 11:01, 11th fastest in the conference.

Notable Performances by the Defenders:

• 4x800 - 1st place: 9:34.23
  • Shelby Buwalda, Anmarie Stuit, Bethany Ten Haken, Emilee Heynen
  • NAIA 'A' standard
  • No.1 time in the GPAC
  • No.2 time in the NAIA
• Taylor Anema - 3000m: 10:38.16 (22nd place)
  • season-best
  • #4 time in GPAC
• Elyse Kuperus - 3000m: 11:01 (40th place)
  • career-best 
  • #11 time in GPAC
• Distance Medley: 12:37 (7th place)
  • Kristine Honomichl, Ayda Den Herder, Mika Kooistra, Molly Mulder