The First Time is a Charm

May 25, 2012

Results: Day 1 | Day 2  |  Heat Sheets: Day 3 |  NCAA East Region Central

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—The first trip to postseason competition proved to be the charm for freshman Amber Monroe and sophomore Thandi Stewart as both Canes punched their ticket to the NCAA Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.
 
Stewart, who qualified for the quarterfinals on Friday, finished second in her heat with a time of 56.85 to own the fourth-fastest performance of the field. Monroe became the first Cane to qualify for the NCAA Championships with a throw of 49.92 meters in the discus. She is one of only two freshmen among the 12 competitors advancing to the finals.

“I am really happy that I qualified, especially as a freshman,” said Monroe. “My coaches did a really good job of preparing me for this meet and I am excited for the opportunity to go to nationals.”

Day two of the NCAA East Regional Preliminaries at Hodges Stadium on the campus of the University of North Florida, also saw senior Devon Hill qualify for the quarterfinals in the 110-meter hurdles. The three-time All-American won his heat in 13.36 to record the fastest time of the event. Hill, along with 26 other hurdlers, will continue his quest for a national title on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the event.

“I was able to cross one more goal off my list for the season,” said Hill. “I made a few mistakes in my race that I will correct as I prepare for tomorrow’s quarterfinals.”

The Canes are back in action on Saturday for the final day of competition. Senior Ashley Holmes will start things off for UM at 2 p.m. in the hammer throw. Samantha Williams will look to earn a spot in the finals of the triple jump at 4:30 p.m. The women’s 4×100 meter relay team will compete at 6:15 p.m. and at 7:05 p.m.Hill will vie for a trip to the finals in the 110mH.

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