Evergreen State College Track & Field programs started off their busy weekend with an epic performance at the historic Hayward Field Track & Field Complex, Friday, held at University of Oregon. 
 
The lone Geoduck, sophomore Alauna Carstens, placed 8th out of 17 student-athletes in the Women's 5k in Eugene, while setting numerous records and standards. Alauna's time of17:11.81 was not only her personal best, a school record, an overall program record for a 5k in XC, Indoor, and Outdoor, but her time also qualified for the Cascade Collegiate Conference, and NAIA National Track & Field Championships.
 
"In the 3 weeks since Alauna's indoor 5000m she has worked relentlessly, knocking a sizable chunk off her previous best." Stated Assistant Coach Katie Burnett. "She is just beginning to show her prowess for longer distances and we are thrilled to have our first national qualifier of the season!"
 
At the time of writing, Alauna's time is the 2nd best in the NAIA for the outdoor track & field season, which will conclude on May 22-24 at the National Championships in Marion, Indiana, held at Indiana Wesleyan University.

"What an incredible performance!" Head Coach Joel Pearson, "Her training has been very impressive and I'm excited, proud, and looking forward to her future! Having an athlete compete at Hayward Field is a huge step in the programs direction of bringing Geoduck Track & Field to national success! What an great day to be a Geoduck"
 
The Geoducks continue Saturday at the University of Puget Sound Peyton-Shotwell Invite in Tacoma.