IRVINE, Calif. --- Biola had three athletes qualify for nationals, numerous post personal bests and one even break a school record as the Eagles took part in the two-day UC Irvine Invitational which featured a number of NCAA Division I schools.

Biola competed against teams from Cornell, Yale, Arkansas, Michigan and host UC Irvine in the compeitition which gave the Eagles a different set of teams to compete against. And they made the most of the opportunity.

Under the Friday night lights, Biola steeplechasers Nychele Fischetti and Erika Perez both hit qualifying marks for the NAIA Outdoor Nationals in their first effort of the season. Fischetti, a freshman, posted an impressive time of 11:26.45 which broke the school record previously held by Kristy Fournier (11:30.02) set back in 2003. Perez, a sophomore, raced to an 11:45.76 which puts her under the provisional qualifying standard as she is now a national steeple qualifier for the second year in a row.

Later in the evening, freshman Carissa Bowman missed the school record in the 3,000m race by just 2.5 seconds with a time of 10:03.72. Bowman finished seventh overall in the event and was the lone NAIA athlete in the top 10.

On Saturday, sophomore Natasha Miller posted a 14.60 in the 100 hurdles to begin her journey to St. Louis, Missouri for the Outdoor Nationals in May. Miller, who won the indoor pentathlon earlier this month at the NAIA Indoor Championships, placed fifth overall in the 100 hurdles behind a host of NCAA Division I athletes.

In addition, three 800 meter runners set personal records in the 800. Junior Kyle McNulty posted a 1:57.85, while teammate David Ricksecker finished just behind in 1:57.88. Freshman Matt Arroues rounded out the contingent with a personal-best time of 2:07.54.

In the 400, freshmen Gabe Aeschliman ran a personal-best time of 50.7 and Janette Hill narrowly missed national qualifying with a good opening outdoor season time of 58.01 in the women's race. 

Senior Erin Hobson continued to vault well, clearing 3.4 m (11-1.75 feet) and recorded three solid attempts at the next height of 3.55 m (11-7.75 feet).

On Friday, Biola hosts its second meet of the year after going nearly 30 years without hosting one. The Eagles welcome a number of GSAC teams to La Mirada for the Biola Twilight Invitational. The events begin at 4:00 p.m.