Tampa, Fla. - Seniors Petronela Simiuc and Janelle Noe both finished top-10 in the 1,500m to close out day one of the NCAA East Preliminary Round in Tampa, Fla. The two now look to Saturday's quarterfinal event, and are one race away from punching their tickets to the NCAA finals in Eugene, Oregon.
 
"Today was a good start to the meet," head coach Linh Nguyen said. "Noe and Simiuc both ran great in some really high temps and humidity to advance to the next round on Saturday."
 
Running in the top heat, the dynamic duo continued what they've been doing all season. Noe took third in the event after finishing in 4:17.20, just .19 seconds away from her personal record and .49 seconds behind event winner Elinor Purrier of New Hampshire. Simiuc set a personal record after crossing the line in 4:17.32, taking seventh.
 
Day one also saw UT compete in the 400m hurdles and 10K.
 
Junior Yana Khabina took 37th in the 400mH after finishing in 59.84. Senior Joan Jepkirui and junior Jennifer Lichter ran hard in the 10K but just missed qualifying for finals. Lichter took 15th after running a 34:35.69. Jepkirui took 21st, finishing in 34:46.29.
 
"Yana didn't advance but still ran strong and earned a good time," Nguyen said. "She's got some great experience now for next year. Both Jenn and Joan ran tough races in the 10K and were in the mix for a qualifying spot until the last 400m. I'm very proud of the way all five women competed today and I think they represented Toledo extremely well."
 
Up next for Toledo is the 3,000m steeplechase tomorrow night where senior Stephanie Barlow and sophomore Athena Welsh will compete. The women's 3,000S quarterfinal is set to start at 8:40 p.m.
 
Toledo Day One Finishes at the NCAA East Prelims
400mH
37. Yana Khabina - 59.84
 
1500m
3. Janelle Noe - 4:17.20
7. Petronela Simiuc - 4:17.50 (personal record)
 
10K
15. Jennifer Lichter - 34:35.69
21. Joan Jepkirui - 34:46.29