AUSTIN, Texas - North Dakota State juniors Christine Bruins and Brittany Gigstead both moved on to the national quarterfinals in the 800 meters after placing in the top 24 in the NCAA first round.

Bruins was 15th with a time of 2:07.45 and Gigstead was 23rd after posting a time of 2:08.44.  The quarterfinals will be held at 6:45 p.m. Central on Friday, May 28.  The top 12 athletes in the quarterfinals will advance to the national semifinals in Eugene, Ore. June 9-12.

Sophomore Leslie Brost just missed out on a spot at the NCAA Championships in Eugene after finishing 13th in the pole vault.  The top 12 athletes advanced to the semifinals.  Brost cleared 13 feet 7 1/4 inches.

In the first round of the 400 meter hurdles, senior Devon Wentz placed 30th with a time of 1:00.86.

Freshman Ashley Tingelstad was 39th in the 400 meters first round after running a time of 55.29.

Along with Bruins and Gigstead, four other Bison will compete Friday.  Junior Whitney Carlson will compete in the first round of the 100 meter hurdles and the long jump.  Seniors Brittni Bruenjes and Heather Zander, as well as sophomore Kristen Killoran, will also compete in the long jump.

Live stats from the NCAA Preliminary Round are available at http://www.texassports.com/livestats/m-track/index.htm..