The Missouri State track and field team traveled to Lincoln, Neb., to the Devaney Center on the campus of the University of Nebraska, Feb. 2 and 3 for an early season test in a national caliber meet. Freshman Leander Ernest led the way for the Bears in a meet featuring some of the top teams across the country.

A native of Castries, St. Lucia, Ernest ran 54.95 seconds to qualify for the final in the 400-meter dash. She finishedsecond with a time of 54.38 to the reigning NCAA champion, Kineke Alexander of Iowa. Ernest's time is an NCAA provisonal qualifying mark and tops the MVC. Also, Ernest has run the four fastest 400-meter times in MVC this season and has improved her personal best in every race.

"Leander was sensational again. A bit of talent coupled with a lot of hard work, bravery, and execution has led to the great performances we're seeing from her," said head coach Ron Boyce.

Senior Kim Carter placed sixth in the long jump and 11th with a time of 7.78 in the 60-meter dash semifinals.

Distance runner Kristen Wolkey ran 5:10.42 in the mile to place 14th. Carrie Vestal ran 10:20.28 in the 3,000-meter run while freshman Auvia Miller set a personal best of 10:27.52 in the same race.

The track and field team next heads to Ames, Iowa, for the Iowa State Invitational on Feb. 9 and 10.