Track: Individuals Qualify for Nationals

March 05, 2011 10:29 PM | General

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – After winning a BIG EAST title in the 3,000-meter run at the BIG EAST Championships, West Virginia University junior Jessica O’Connell posted a national qualifying time this evening at the Columbia Last Chance Meet in New York City.

O’Connell finished in third place in the event with a time of 9:14.12, a seven-second improvement from her conference finish.

Senior Keri Bland also had a good showing, as she posted an NCAA qualifying time in the mile with a third-place showing and a time of 4:38.56, while senior Kaylyn Christopher followed in sixth with a time of 4:46.41.

Also competing this weekend, freshman Chene Townsend posted a second-place showing (8.74) in the 60-meter hurdles, while senior Chelsea Carrier finished first in the long jump after clearing 5.81-meters.

The Mountaineers will conclude the indoor season on March 11-12, in College Station, Texas.