JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Louisiana Tech track and field team advanced two more athletes to the quarterfinals at the NCAA East Regional hosted by North Florida at the Vist Jax Stadium at Hodges Stadium on Thursday.
 
With the threat of rain again on the second day, the running events moved up three and a half hours. That didn't affect Jamara Patterson or Osaretin Joy Usenbor in their quest to advance to Saturday's quarterfinals.
 
The duo continued to write their names in the record book for the 400m. Patterson improved her personal best time to 52.58, marking the second-fastest time in program history. Usenbor tied her personal best at 52.67, which is now the fourth best in program history.
 
Maria Ferreiro Pena was the first Bulldog to perform on the second day. In her second trip to the regional in the javelin, the senior launched a throw of 40.59m (133-2).
 
Just before the 400m hurdles, the rain started coming down hard and forced another two-hour delay.
 
Out of the break, Tyhra Charles had to wait for the final heat of the 200m. With the rain starting to come back, Charles ran a 23.81 to end the day.
 
UP NEXT
The quarterfinals begin tomorrow with the men having the first opportunity. Oscar Smith will first up for the Bulldogs with the 110m hurdles beginning at 5:15 p.m. The 4x400 relay team will end the day at7:45.

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