The Dordt University women's track and field team advanced one of their two relays to finals on day one of the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships held today at the Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex in Brookings. S.D.
The Defenders 4x800 relay team ran a season-best time by more than 11 seconds to qualify for the finals on Friday. Dordt, the defending champion in the event, came into the race as the No.10 seed but earned the win in heat three and posted the second fastest time (9:23.12) in the prelims. In the front pack for the entire race,
Shelby Buwalda gave the Defenders the lead on the third carry and
Emilee Heynen ran an outstanding anchor to secure her team's spot in Friday's final. Team members include Buwalda, Heynen,
Mika Kooistra and
Bethany Ten Haken.
"The women's 4x800 went very well for the Defenders," commented Dordt University Head Coach Craig Heynen. "All of the ladies kept us in the front of the pack so we could be in good position to auto qualify. This group will be in the mix to win in Friday's final."
The Defenders 4x400 relay ran their second fastest time of the season but did not advance to the Saturday's final. Dordt placed fourth in heat two with a time of 3:55.36, ninth fastest in program history. Relay members include
Anmarie Stuit,
Ayda Den Herder, Buwalda and Heynen.
"Our women's 4x400 put forth a great effort today," said Heynen. "We were in a very strong heat and it put us in some tough, chasing positions. It was a great effort by our ladies."
Dordt will have three individual and one relay compete on Friday; the line-up is below
Defender Results:
Women's 4x800: 9:23.12, advanced to finals
Women's 4x400: 3:55.36, did not qualify for finals
