The Master’s University women’s track team didn’t have any runners qualify for NAIA nationals on Saturday at the Soka University Indoor Qualifier in Aliso Viejo, California. But the Mustangs did witness several performances that caught the attention of head coach Zach Schroeder.

Seanna Nalbandyan (pictured above), who earned NAIA All-American honors last season as a freshman in the 400 hurdles, led for most of the 400 meters Saturday but was barely outrun over the last 50 meters, finishing in second place (59.31 seconds).

Schroeder was pleased with Nalbandyan’s work in the 400 and 200 at the event.

Freshman Arianna Ghiorso, coming off a successful college debut in the fall in cross country, ran a new lifetime best in the mile, posting a time of 5 minutes, 11.08 seconds to win the race.

It was the second fasted mile in the program’s history, trailing only Karis Frankian, who did it in 5:01.75 at Soka’s meet in 2016.

“She had an incredible race,” Schroeder said of Ghiorso, who missed the national qualifying time by .15 seconds.

Elsewhere, freshmen Morgan Gregory and Autumn Nootbaar debuted in the 3K, both posting solid marks. Sophomore Kayla Gray smashed her PR in the 3K. She ran a 12:18.20 on Saturday.

Before, she’d never gone faster than 13:04.14.

Junior Emily Hess set a new PR in the 60, finishing in 8.85 seconds.

“I’m extremely thankful for the attitude our women’s team performed with,” said Schroeder. “I truly believe they honored the Lord with their attitudes and efforts.”