Feb. 24, 2007

CHARLESTON, Ill. - Junior Bulldog Lauren Blankenship took first place in the women's 5000-meter event Friday in the first day of the OVC Indoor Championships hosted by Eastern Illinois. Blankenship clocked a 17:29 to take the top place in the event.

In the men's 5000-meters, four Samford men place in the top ten. Drew Anderwald took fourth, followed but Cameron Bean at fifth, Bo Brawner at sixth and Patrick Ollinger at ninth.

The Bulldogs also faired well in the distance medley relays. The women placed third while the men took fourth place.

Katherine Herring and Robyn DeBenedet qualified in the women's 800-meter event, while Daphne Anderson and Lakeita Rox qualified in the 60-m hurdles. Ashley Flowers qualified for the Bulldogs in the women's 400-meter race, and Michael Smith qualified in both the 60-meter high hurdles and the men's 400-meters.

Each qualifier will compete Saturday for a final chance to place. The competition resumes Saturday morning at 11 a.m. For results and recap, go to www.samfordsports.com.