Berends, Schmeltz Automatically Qualify for National Championships

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Taylor women's indoor track and field team saw a pair of athletes meet national championship automatic qualification marks at the Hoosier Hills Invitational at Indiana University on Friday.

Elaine Schmeltz, the reigning Crossroads League track athlete of the week, hit the NAIA National Championship automatic qualification mark in the mile with a time of 5:06.93, narrowly missing breaking her own school record.

Freshman Alex Berends joined Schmeltz with an automatic qualification performance in the 3,000 meter run with a time of 10:21.18, good enough for 22^nd place.

Courtney Thompson added an 11^th place finish in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.64 and Princess Sakeuh crossed the line next in 12^th place with a time of 26.77.

Sarina Oleson crossed the finish line in 1:42.48 in the 600 meter run.

Jane Hawks raced in the 800 meter for the first time this season, finishing in 16^th place with a time of 2:21.91.

TU's 4x400 relay team of Tara Monfredi, Oleson, Thompson, and Shelby Wilson posted a 12^th place finish with a time of 4:19.00.

The Trojans will compete again next Saturday at the DePauw Invitational in TU's final event prior to the NAIA National Championships in March.