CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Fresno Pacific track and field teams turned in a strong first day at the NCAA Division II National Championships on Thursday afternoon, with a pair of Sunbird underclassmen earning a spot in Saturday's finals. Brie Courseault finished in 6th place in the 400-meter, while Cathrin Wicke came in 7th in the 400-hurdles. 
 
"Brie showed a lot of composure in her race and stayed true to her plan when some early pressure from the field could have rattled her. Even though she drew lane she spread it out nicely to auto-qualify," head coach Ray Winter said. "In the same race, Danae Manibog gave herself a chance to qualify with a very strong first half. We are very proud of how she represented FPU and competed. Cathrin also overcame a lane eight draw to qualify on time, finishing third in her heat with an amazing drive down the home stretch. Cathrin was seeded low coming into the race but proved her ability head-to-head. I'm so proud of them all, and now we will try to use that momentum tomorrow and Saturday."
 
The day began for the Sunbirds with the 400m, with Courseault turning on the jets to finish in 6^thplace with a time of 54.52. As one of just two freshmen to qualify for the event, Manibog wrapped up the race with a time of 55.57, good enough for 17th individually. 
 
Wicke concluded the afternoon for the Blue and Orange with a 7th place finish after recording a time of 1:00.39 in the 400-hurdles. 
 
Courseault will have another busy day on Friday, racing the 200-meter prelims at 2:35 p.m. PST before joining Manibog, Wicke, and Kyra Bailey in the 4x400 relay at 5:10 p.m. On Saturday, Courseault will run in the 400-meter finals at 1:35 p.m, while Wicke's 400-hurdles final will begin at 2:40 p.m. 
 
To view the meet schedule in its entirety, please click here.