By Mason Nesbitt, TMU Sports Information Director

A program that’s made a name nationally for its success in distance running set its focus on the sprints on Saturday, and freshman Seanna Nalbandyan continued to lead the pack.

Nalbandyan came close to the NAIA B Qualifying Standard, which would have put her in consideration for nationals, in the 100-meter hurdles at the Westmont Classic in Santa Barbara. She ran it in 15.55 seconds.

“After watching her first attempt,” said coach Zach Schroeder, “we’re confident she’ll qualify with her next opportunity.”

Teammate Emma Bahr ran a season PR in the 400 (1 minute, 4.96 seconds), while Tess Thompson ran a 13.31 in the 100 to win her heat and finish just .2 off her lifetime best.

Thompson also won her heat of the 200 (27.23).

Mustang Janae Hickey won her heat of the 100. She ran a 14.19 in what was her first collegiate competition in the event.

Mak van Wingerden and Cameron Fooks ran solid collegiate debuts in the 100, while V.J. Dayawa and Fooks went 1-2 in their heat of the 200.

“It was a good, low-key meet to get the jitters out,” Schroeder said of Dayawa, a freshman from Nantes, France. “We’re expecting big progression as we continue through the season.”

Schroeder added that he is thankful to have seniors that provide great leadership for a team that will be back in action Friday and Saturday at the San Francisco Distance Carnival.