FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (May 30, 2026) – Northern Arizona closed out competition at the NCAA West First Round on Saturday, highlighted by Hayley Burns securing a berth to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the women's 1,500 meters.
Burns punched her ticket to Eugene with an automatic qualifying performance in the quarterfinals, placing fifth in her heat in 4:09.87. The junior earned one of the automatic qualifying spots and will represent the Lumberjacks at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in June.
The Lumberjacks also saw freshman Tess Hannigan compete in the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase quarterfinals. Hannigan placed 21st overall in 10:08.81, concluding a strong freshman campaign that included an NCAA West First Round appearance in her first collegiate season.
NAU wrapped up the evening in the women's 5,000 meters, where Grace Copeland led the way with a 15th-place finish in 15:44.99. The mark was an outdoor personal best and moved Copeland to No. 9 on NAU's all-time outdoor performance list.
Ava Mitchell crossed the line 17th in 15:51.21, while Burns doubled back from the 1,500 meters to finish 21st in 16:02.53. Addie Engel rounded out the Lumberjack contingent with a 23rd-place finish in 16:05.12.
With the NCAA West First Round complete, Burns will advance to the NCAA Outdoor Championships, held June 10-13 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. The women's 1,500-meter semifinals are scheduled for June 11, with the national final set for June 13.
Live results for the NCAA West First Round are available here.
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