Contact: John Sinnett

Lee, Valtin Compete at NCAA East Regional Track Meet

BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Running in their second consecutive NCAA East Regional Track and Field meet, Campbell University senior Heather Lee finished 17^th in the 5,000 meters, while sophomore Alicia Valtin finished 20^th in the 1,500 meters this past Friday. The East Regional Meet was hosted by the University of Florida at the Percy Beard Track.

"Alicia ran well and we are happy with how she performed. She will take the experience from this year's Regional meet and look to build upon it next year," said Head Distance Coach Ken Frenette. "We're now waiting to see if Heather gets an at-large bid to the National Championships. She has a decent shot at going because they are going to take a field of 27-28."

Lee, who ranked 28^th nationally entering the meet, ran for just the second time this season in the 5,000 meters at the East Regional. The native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, finished 17^th in the event with a mark of 16:55.15.

Kim Smith of Providence won the event with a time of 15:51.03, while Emily Kroshus (16:16.48) of Princeton and Vicky Gill (16:16.73) of Florida State finished second and third, respectively.

Valtin, a former prep runner at Western Harnett High School, finished 20^th overall in the 1,500 meter race with a time of 4:33.56. That mark was the fourth fastest time the sophomore has run in the event this season. She missed the final spot for the 1,500 meter finals on Saturday by just over five seconds.

Treniere Clement (4:17.64) of Georgetown was the event champion, while Marina Muncan (4:18.49) of Villanova and Natalie Hughes (4:20.62) of Florida State finished second and third, respectively.

Florida was the overall team champion with 85 points followed by South Carolina (67), Miami (62), Penn State (49), and Georgia (47). Campbell did not receive any team points.

Although the top-five finishers from each regional meet will move on to the NCAA National Championships, along with five at-large selections, Lee has a chance to make the 5,000 meter field. She will be notified Monday afternoon if she is selected. This would mark her first trip to the NCAA National Championships. [1,500 Results | 5,000 Results | Complete Results]