JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It was a successful day for the Eastern Kentucky University women's track and field team at the NCAA East First Round on Thursday, as two Colonels advanced in their respective events.
 
Bahiya El Arfaoui got the action started for EKU in the 1,500m as she finished second in her heat to advance to Saturday's quarterfinal in a time of 4:15.08, the 15^th fastest qualifying time on the day.
 
Saturday's quarterfinal is scheduled for Saturday at 5:15 p.m. as Arfaoui will look to finish in the top five of her heat or be within the next two fastest times to punch her ticket to Oregon.
 
Securing her spot at the National Championships in Eugene was Edna Chelulei in the 10,000m, finishing in 7^th in the semifinals with a time of 32:50.68, rolling with the leading pack for the entirety of the race.
 
Vicody Chepngetich's stellar freshman season ended with a 29^th-place finish with a time of 34:23.63.
 
Before competing at nationals, Chelulei will also compete in the 5,000m semifinals at 8:10 p.m. on Saturday.