May 30, 2003

COLUMBUS, OHIO - - Senior women's sprinter Keenan Gibson became the first University of Memphis student-athlete to advance through the preliminary rounds in the finals after posting the sixth-highest qualifying time of 11.48, Friday.

The 11.48 ties Gibson's regional qualifying mark from earlier this season.

Gibson finished second in her heat with a time of 11.48 behind Alabama's Judyth Kitson, who posted the second-fastest qualifying time of the day with an 11.24. Indiana's Rachelle Boone posted the fastest qualifying time with an 11.22. LSU's Muna Lee was third with another 11.24, while Auburn's Elva Goulbourne was fourth with an 11.27. Indiana's Ara Towns picked up the fifth spot with an 11.43, then Gibson's 11.48. The finalists are rounded out by Indiana's Danielle Carruthers (11.49) and Auburn's Timicka Clarke (11.51).

The women's 100-meter finals will take place Saturday, at 7:00 p.m. (EDT). The top five finishers in the final advance to the NCAA National Championships in Sacramento, Calif.

Gibson is the only Lady Tiger competing Friday. She and junior Lisa-Marie Hyman will both compete Saturday. Hyman will compete in the triple jump, which is slated to begin at 5:30 p.m.