March 20, 2008

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Four Illini posted NCAA regional qualifying marks in five events as the Illinois women's track and field team competed in a dual meet against UT-Arlington on Thursday as part of its spring trip. It was the Illini's first time competing on the outdoor track this season.

Senior LaNeisha Waller hit regional qualifying marks in two events and won both, clocking a time of 13.61 seconds in the 100m hurdles and also jumping a personal-best 19 feet, 11 ¾ inches in the long jump.

Senior Tiara Armstrong ran a regionally-qualifying time of 11.69 in the 100m in taking the event title, also winning the 200m in 23.60.

"We competed very well overall," associate head coach Tonja Buford-Bailey said. "We saw some improvements from the indoor season already. Throughout the season, we'll be looking toward the Big Ten Championships on our home track, constantly trying to better our times and get more regional qualifiers. We have been training throughout this whole trip, so for us to get the marks we got today is great."

Illinois' other regional qualifiers were senior Briana Cunningham in the 400m hurdles (59.65) and junior Nikkita Holder in the 100m hurdles (13.69).

Sophomore Alecia-Beckford Stewart ran a personal-best time of 14.33 in the 100m hurdles, while freshmen Analisa Austin and Cheria Morgan both ran 11.90 in the 100m.

The Illini took first in both relays, with Armstrong, Waller, Morgan and Omoye Ugiagbe winning the 4x100m and Cunningham, Austin, Paris Streeter and Melissa Bates taking the 4x400m.

Illinois will compete next Saturday at the Hurricane Challenge in Miami.