FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - After one qualification for the NCAA Finals yesterday, Lamar's track and field team sought to add another on the second day of the NCAA West Regional Preliminaries. Looking to set her mark, Sydne Porter competed in the first round of the 200 meters.

The native of Bellaire was able to set a new personal best in the event with a time of 23.66 seconds. However, it was enough for 25th place, which was one spot shy of qualifying for the 200m finals on Saturday.

Despite falling short of making the finals, Porter admits that the experience of the event will something she will take with her going into next year. "The atmosphere in the stadium was intense, but not overwhelming," Porter said. "I could feel the excitement. It was a valuable experience competing in the West prelims in my second year. The opportunity to compete against the best athletes in the country was amazing. I am very proud of my performance tonight. I will be back next year."

"I tell Sydne all the time how proud I am of who she has become as a student and athlete," said head coach Trey Clark. "Tonight was another notch on her belt. She did an great job of executing her race in the biggest race of her life to date. There is no doubt that she will be back next year and be a contender."

Tomorrow will see the first of LU's two long distance athletes run in the 3000m steeplechase as Declan Neary will have his turn to represent the Cardinals. The race will start at 5:40 PM.

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