Lovett snags Nationals standard at APU Last Chance Meet

The Master's women's track and field team sent a select few athletes to compete at the Franson Last Chance meet this weekend in Azusa, Calif.

Alyssa Lovett, who entered the meet with no NAIA National qualifying standard, notched a 37:05.55 time in the 10000m. Although not a personal best, the time placed her 11th in the heat and was good enough for an NAIA B Standard by just a half second. 

Lovett was off pace entering the final lap, but dropped one of the faster final kicks in the field, with an 1:24-second final 400m. Her strong finish allowed her to sneak under the NAIA B Standard make of 37:06 and give her a chance to compete again at NAIA Nationals. 

"Alyssa had a wonderful race, bouncing back after the disappointment at conference two weeks ago," TMU Head Coach Daniel Rush said. "She rallied hard in the last 400 to get the national standard by less than half a second and therefore extend her career to one more race." 

Senior Suzie Johnson competed in the 1500m, and she placed sixth in the second-fastest heat of the meet. Johnson finished in 4:32 against a strong NCAA field. The senior captain continued to showcase her consistency, as this was her fourth 1500m this season at 4:32 or faster. 

She currently ranks eighth in the NAIA and has the fastest B standard mark. 

All-American Emma Nelson made her 3000m steeplechase season debut with a mark of 12:06. Fellow senior Brooke Cregan also competed in the steeplechase and ran 11:28. 

The Mustangs will compete next at the NAIA National Championships in Asheville, North Carolina on May 20-22.