Vanguard sends two to finals

FRESNO ? Vanguard University’s Jenny Thune was the second-fastest qualifier in the women’s 1,500 meters on the first day of the NAIA outdoor track and field national championships Thursday at Fresno Pacific University.

Thune won her heat with a time of 4 minutes, 40.47 seconds. The senior was only surpassed by Simon Fraser senior Julia Howard’s 4:39.23 in the second heat.

On the men’s side, Vanguard’s Matt Meyer qualified 11th in the 1,500 meters. The senior was sixth in his heat with a mark of 3:52.92. Virginia Intermont’s Corey Duquette was the fastest qualifier in the event with a 3:51.43.

In the only final held Thursday night involving Vanguard, the Lions’ Rebecca Sopp placed ninth in the women’s 10,000 meters. The freshman finished in a time of 38:20.41, well off the pace set by winner Betty Rotich of Missouri Baptist (35:01.80).

Sopp and freshman Grace Jepngetich will be in action today, running in the semifinals of the women’s 5,000 meters.