May 26, 2006

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The Fighting Illini Women's Track and Field team finished their first day of competition Friday at the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships in Knoxville, Tenn. The Orange and Blue advanced three athletes in two events to the finals.

"We had a really good day and we ran some personal bests today," head coach Gary Winckler said.

In the 400-meter hurdles, juniors Camile Robinson and Carlene Robinson each advanced to the finals. Camile Robinson ran a personal-best time of 57.41 and Carlene Robinson won her heat with a personal-best time of 57.90.

"Today was a big personal best for Carlene," said Winckler. "She won her heat and had a nice performance. Camile had a nice solid run today, too, to qualify for the finals."

Fellow junior Yvonne Mensah advanced to the finals in the 100-meter dash. Mensah ran a time of 11.45 and is seeded seventh in tomorrow's race.

"Yvonne ran a nice race," said Winckler. "She was a little weak in the last 20 meters but it was her second-best time ever."

In the final race of the day for the women, the 5,000-meter run, Jamie Turilli ran a time of 16:56.86 to place 11th for the Fighting Illini.

"We're looking forward to getting everyone going again tomorrow," said Winckler.

The Fighting Illini Women's Track and Field team will resume competition Saturday at the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships at 11 a.m. in Knoxville, Tenn.

-Illini-