May 28, 2011
EUGENE, Ore. - Whitney Ashley advanced to the NCAA Championships in the discus throw to lead the San Diego State track and field team on the final day of the NCAA Preliminary Rounds Saturday in Eugene, Ore.
The junior took fifth of 48 competitors with a personal-best toss of 173 feet, 5 inches. The throw of 173-05.00 is the third-best mark in program history.
Ashley, who also qualified for the NCAA championship meet in the shot put on Thursday, got her marked throw on her fifth of six attempts after fouling the previous two throws. Ashley was seeded 21st in the west region coming into the weekend.
Jeanette McConnell also had a good showing in the event for the Aztecs, taking 19th with a heave of 158-06.00. She missed the final by three places and just 28 inches.
Ashley (shot put, discus throw) will be joined in Des Moines, Iowa, for the NCAA championship meet from June 8-11 by teammates Allison Reaser (heptathlon) and Kelsy Hintz (pole vault).
NCAA Preliminary Rounds - West Region
Hayward Field - Eugene, Ore.
May 28, 2011
Discus: 5. Whitney Ashley - 173-05.00 (advances to NCAA Championship meet); 19. Jeanette McConnell - 158-06.00