Short, Williams Advance

May 27, 2011

Eugene, OR - Ciara Short and Lauren Williams both qualified in their specialties and advanced Friday to the next rounds of the NCAA West Regional Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Oregon.

Short advanced to the national semifinals in the 400 meters by finishing third in her heat with the fourth best time (52.41) in the 24-runner field, which was pared to 12. She will compete beginning June 8 at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Later in the afternoon, Short advanced to the national quarterfinals in the 200 meters by finishing third in her heat with the 12th best time of 23.84. The field of 24 will be pared to 12 Saturday at 2:35 p.m.

Meanwhile, Williams was advancing to the national quarterfinals in the 100 meter hurdles. She placed third in her heat with the 16th best time (13.68) in the field of 48. The top three in each of three heats beginning at 2:05 p.m. Saturday and the next three best times will advance to the national semifinals.