Laing Advances to Quarterfinals at NCAA Preliminary Round
5/28/2010 12:00:00 AM
May 28, 2010
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Junior Kim Laing was the lone competitor for the Alabama women's track and field team on Friday at the inaugural NCAA East Preliminary Round, hosted by North Carolina A&T State University at Irwin Belk Track, and is just one round away from advancing to her second consecutive NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
"Kim, without a doubt, rose to the occasion, but she's going to have do it again and that's the expectation that she has for herself," head women's track and field coach Sandy Fowler said. "It's a major [personal-best] for her. As for the 4x100 meter relay tomorrow, I feel very confident about the section we're in. The top three teams in each section advance to nationals and I believe that third team, if not better, should be Alabama. All have to do is be confident and bring the relay around clean."
The top 12 finishers in each event, including field events and relays, will advance to the semifinal and final rounds at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, June 9-12, in Eugene, Ore.
As the sole competitor for Alabama on Friday, Laing made sure to put on a good show. The two-time SEC champion finished second in her heat and 10th overall, clocking a career-best time of 13.15 (+0.7), to move into the Saturday quarterfinal round. Laing also moved into fourth all-time in the Alabama annals with her new best time.
Alabama will conclude the meet on Saturday with three events, beginning with the 4x100 meter relay quarterfinal on the oval at 6:15 p.m. (ET). The Tide will also compete in the discus qualifying round and 100 meter hurdle quarterfinal set for 3:30 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. starts, respectively.
Friday's Alabama Women's Results
100 Meter Hurdles First Round: 10. Kim Laing - 13.15 (+0.7)!+; 46. Chealsea Taylor - 14.03 (+2.4)
Alabama Women Advancing to Quarterfinal
Kim Laing - 100 Meter Hurdles (May 29, 7:20 p.m. ET)
Alabama Women Advancing to Oregon (Top 12 Finishers - All Weekend)
Javelin: 8. Meghan Austin - 153-8+
Shot Put: 9. Wilamena Hopkins - 52-3 1/4!+
High Jump: 1. Chealsea Taylor - 5-11 1/4+; 12. Krystle Schade - 5-10+
Heptathlon: Chealsea Taylor - 5,672 points (score at SEC Championships)
! - Personal-best; * - Season-best; + - Advanced to next round; DQ - Disqualified; DNF - Did not finish; NM - No mark; FS - False start; SR - School record
Players Mentioned
