FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Austin Peay State University women's track and field team just missed sending two representatives to the NCAA Championships by virtue of their efforts at the Arkansas Last Chance, Friday.

Seniors Molly Bartkiewicz and Carrie Burggraf each broke the school record in the pole vault in their respective last indoor meet, with Bartkiewicz setting the new standard at 4.13 meters (13-06.50) to finish in second place. Burggraf finished fourth with a 4.03 meter (13-02.50) height. Unfortunately, the standard for championship qualification this season appears to have settled at 4.20 meters (13-09.25), leaving Bartkiewicz and Burggraf on the outside.

"I've always thought that whoever went last (in their indoor careers) would own the school record," said head coach Doug Molnar. "You really can't say enough about how Molly and Carrie came out in their last indoor meet."

Junior sprinter Chiamaka Obi also competed for the Lady Govs, earning a second-place finish in the 400-meter dash with a 56.93 time.

"Obi got good experience here, which will help her next year," said Molnar. "It was good for Molly and Carrie too, after all they've meant to the program. I'm going to miss them in indoor next year, but I'm sure they will make a run at the NCAA Championships in the outdoor season as well."

-AP-