Raleigh, NC – Three athletes of the Monroe University women's outdoor track and field team qualified for nationals at the Raleigh Relays this weekend, encapsulating a rapid start to the season for the team in the opening event of the year.
 
The trio of sophomore Attoya Harvey and freshmen Tanesia Gardiner and Joy Fridah Jepleting punched their tickets to Hutchinson, KS, in the 800m on the third and final day of the team's stay in North Carolina.
 
Monroe dominated the 800m as the trio racked up personal best times across the board. Harvey clocked in at 2:14.34, Gardiner took home a time of 2:18.42 and Jepleting reached the finish line at 2:18.56 as all three surpassed the qualifying standards for the event.
 
As the trio capped off a tremendous weekend for the Mustangs, freshman Kaliyah Jones provided the highlight on day two, clocking in at 56.84, a personal best, in the 400m to barely miss national qualification.
 
Sophomore Kettia Ambrose joined Jones in the 400m, earning a personal best time of 57.28. Ambrose also competed in the 200m, racking up another personal best time with a time of 24.62.
 
Rounding out the Mustang competitors was freshman Brinel Thomas, who ran a 12.56 in the 100m.
 
A packed schedule awaits the Mustangs next week as they take part in the METS Outdoor Championships at Icahn Stadium on Friday, as well as the Sam Howell Distance Invite, hosted by Princeton University, on Saturday, respectively. Both events will begin at 10:00 am.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as the Monroe University marching band, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
 
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs).