FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Following the program's strong spring season, the USF Dons track and field program traveled to John McDonnell Field at the University of Arkansas to compete at the 2022 NCAA Track and Field West Preliminaries this weekend.

The Dons were able to send four participants to Fayetteville as Abby Pradere, Ruby Smee, Baneet Bains and Gabriella Mace each qualified for the preliminaries in one event to kickoff postseason competition. 

Thursday's meet began well for the Dons as Gabby Mace was able to qualify for the quarterfinals of the 400 meter hurdles by both setting the program record and her own personal best by racing a 58.41 time to qualify for Saturday's events. Pradere also wrapped up her regular season in strong fashion as she finished 10th overall in her heat for a time of 4:29.87 in the 1,500 meter run. 

Turning our attention to Saturday, USF had three athletes in action beginning with Mace who finished her collegiate career with another strong performance by Mace as she finished 18th overall in the quarterfinals of the 400 meter hurdles. Bains returned to the West Prelims for the second year in a row and came in 36th place with a time of 10:44.67 in the 3,000 meter steeplechase, while Smee finished her tremendous sophomore year with a 21st overally finish good for a 16:33.55 time in the 5,000 meter run. 

RESULTS: 
Thursday:

1,500M:
45. Abby Pradere 4:29.87

400M Hurdles:
19. Gabriella Mace 58.41

Saturday:

400M Hurdles:
18. Gabriella Mace 58.56

3,000M Steeplechase:
36. Baneet Bains 10:44.67

5,000M:
21. Ruby Smee 16:33.55

CATCHING UP WITH COACH RILEY:
"I'm really proud of this group and how they conducted themselves at these championships. Gabby finished her career on a high note by lowering her school record and making it through to the quarterfinals in the 400 hurdles. Abby and Baneet struggled a bit in their rounds but I am confident they will get back to the regional next year. Ruby capped off an amazing year by finishing ninth in her heat but was just short of moving onto Eugene. I want to extend a big thank you to Athletic Director Joan McDermott and our entire support staff for making this season possible." 

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