March 21, 2009
LOS ANGELES - The San Diego State track and field team enjoyed a solid performance at the Trojan Invitational at USC's Loker Stadium on Saturday in Los Angeles. Two Aztecs qualified for the NCAA West Regionals, while three established personal records in the 3,000-meter run and one in the hammer throw.
"We were solid today," said interim co-head coach Jennifer Nanista. "We have had some injury issues up to this point in the season and those athletes were able to compete today, which is a good sign as we head into the Cal-Nevada Championships."
Indoor triple jump All-American Karoline Koehler regionally qualified for the NCAA meet in the 100-meter dash after she finished the race in 11.71 seconds to finish in third place.
Leanne Taylor joined Koehler in punching her ticket to the regional championships as secured a spot among the West's elite in the discus throw with a toss of 155 feet, 8 inches.
Kristin Glen led the way for the SDSU distance runners in the 3,000 with her personal-record time of 10:14.73. Alma Escobar followed Glen's lead by producing a personal-best effort of 10:24.10, while Lyndsi Riley came through with a lifetime-best performance of 10:40.73.
Jeanette McConnell was the fourth Aztec to log a personal record, but her hammer throw distance was not available at press time.
In the 100 hurdles, Briana Johnson, who has already locked up a spot at the regional meet in the event, was .01 second off qualifying for a second straight week with her time of 13.93. Meanwhile, Annimari Korte was solid for the second meet in a row, turning in a time of 14.04.
San Diego State returns to the track next Saturday and Sunday when it travels to UCLA as the two-time defending Cal-Nevada Championships champions.