MARRYVILLE, Mo. - Azusa Pacific track & field competed in the first day of the two-day indoor Bearcat Invitational hosted by Northwest Missouri State. Multiple Cougars competed in the multis, while a four-man team ran in the 4000 meter distance medley relay. Azusa Pacific had athletes achieve provisional marks in the pentathlon, as well as the relay team in the distance medley relay.

Multis

Luisa Fischer, who had met the provisional standard in December at the UCCS Pre-Holiday Invitational, improved her provisional status following today's competition by posting 3,471 points over the five events. Fischer saw the most improvement in her two running events, as she improved her times in both the 60 hurdles (UCCS Pre-Holiday: 9.80 | Today: 9.61) and 800 (UCCS Pre-Holiday: 2:42.87 | Today: 2:32.66) on Friday. 

Azusa Pacific's top finisher in the pentathlon was Alysa Henry, who scored 3,665 points. Henry is currently No. 4 on the national qualifying list, as she scored 3,694 points at the CRC Pre-Holiday Invite and Multi.

In the heptathlon, Aaron Worrell is currently in the lead through four events with 3,175 points. Worrell took first in three events on Friday, winning the 60 meters (6.93 seconds), long jump (7.04m), and the high jump (2.02m). Worrell will need 1,578 points over the final three events on Saturday. "It was exciting to watch Aaron today," said head coach Jack Hoyt, "He looked great and we are eager to watch him compete in the three events tomorrow."

Lincoln Krog, who entered this week No. 13 on the national qualifying list, holds a point total of 2,883 heading into day two. 

Men's Distance Medley Relay

Josh Velasco, Daniel Bessolo, Nixon Korir, and Aryton Ledesma teamed up in the 400m distance medley relay and delivered a provisional-qualifying time of 10:03.36, which places them in the top-10 on the national qualifying list. Velasco ran the 1200 leg, Bessolo followed with the 400, Korir ran the 800, and Ledesma finished the race out with a 1600. 

"The men put together a solid showing," said distance coach Sean Smith, "but we know there is a lot more in the tank. We had a great opportunity today and we executed pretty well. Josh started the race, Daniel delivered a great leg, while Nixon and Aryton did what they could to bridge the gap."