BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (May 26, 2022) – Howard University women's track & field squad had four Bison advance to the NCAA East Preliminary Quarterfinal Round Wednesday at the Robert C. Haugh Track & Field Complex in Bloomington, Ind., on the campus of Indiana University.
 
"It was a banner day out there for the program," said Howard Director of Track & Field David Oliver. "Everyone who competed qualified for the next round. That's the standard we want to set in this program, it's not enough to just make it to 'the dance.' We must come here and thrive and that's exactly what they did."
 
Senior Jessika Gbai (Philadelphia) continued her stellar season, advancing in both the 100-meter and 200-meter with times of 11.33 and 22.79, respectively. Gbai's 22.79 broke her previous school record (22.95). For her efforts, the Philly native also qualified for the 2022 World Athletics Championships (July 15-24).
 
"Gbai setting a new school record in the 200m and hitting the qualifying for the World Championships was very impressive to watch," said Oliver.
 
Saturday (March 28), Gbai will represent the Bison in four events: 100-meter, 200-meter, 4x100 relay and 4x400 relay.
 
Senior Ozioma Scott (Georgetown, Guyana) kept the good vibes rolling, posting an automatic qualifying mark of 52.49 (personal best) in the 400-meter dash.
 
"Scott doesn't get the recognition some of her other teammates," Oliver stated. "She set the tone, dropping over half a second off her personal best."
 
Fellow classmate Jessica Wright (Durham, N.C.) won her heat in the 400-meter hurdles, clocking in at 57.62, which was the third-fastest mark during the qualifying round.
 
In her first appearance, sophomore Kaya-Rae Dunbar (Burtonsville, Md.) secured a spot in the 100-meter hurdles with a mark of 13.48.
 
"We haven't punched any tickets to the NCAA Finals in Eugene yet, so we still have a lot of work to do over the next 48 hours," Oliver concluded.
 
Saturday's action begins with the 4x100 relays, starting at 5 p.m.

CREDITS

Wesley Stephens, Assistant Track & Field Coach/Cross Country Head Coach contributed to this story.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.