NEW ORLEANS – Following a stellar championship season in the Great American Conference, the Harding women's track and field team continues to be recognized as one of the premier programs in the country. In the latest NCAA Division II National Track & Field Rating Index (TFRI) released on May 5 by the USTFCCCA, the Lady Bisons are ranked No. 12 in the nation.

The Lady Bisons currently hold a total score of 143.81 points, consisting of 134.23 individual points and 9.58 relay points. The ranking is supported by 21 national-level performances that currently sit within the top 50 of Division II.

ELITE INDIVIDUAL MARKS

Harding's high national standing is anchored by six athletes currently ranked in the top 10 of their respective events:

• Erika Konovalenko (FR): Ranks No. 3 in the Javelin with a mark of 51.84m (170-0), set at the Bryan Phillips Invitational.

• Roselyn Spencer (FR): Ranks No. 8 in the Heptathlon with 5,240 points.

• Cadence Sansom (SR): Ranks No. 8 in the Pole Vault after clearing 4.12m (13-6.25) at the John McDonnell Invitational.

• Josie Parks (SR): Ranks No. 9 in the 3,000m Steeplechase (10:26.96).

• Hannah Omosigho (FR): Ranks No. 10 in the Discus with a throw of 50.03m (164-1).

• Yedidya Bangue (FR): Ranks No. 10 in the Shot Put (15.16m) following her performance at the GAC Championships.

CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENTUM

The Lady Bisons utilized the Great American Conference Outdoor Championships to solidify several national marks. Junior Ally Cheek moved to No. 12 in the High Jump (1.73m), while Tetiana Kharashchuk posted a No. 17 national time in the 400 meters (54.04).

Harding also displays incredible depth in the horizontal jumps, led by Karyna Vehner (No. 21, Triple Jump) and Hanna Onufriieva (No. 23, Triple Jump), alongside Carly Tucker who ranks No. 30 in the Long Jump and No. 32 in the Heptathlon.

RELAY SUCCESS

Both Harding relay squads are currently in position to contend on the national stage:

• The 4x100m Relay (Kharashchuk, Ngapout, Gomes, Williams) ranks No. 13 with a time of 45.54.

• The 4x400m Relay (Bowman, Kharashchuk, Ngapout, Spencer) ranks No. 24 at 3:43.62.

LOOKING AHEAD

With the national rankings serving as a primary indicator for NCAA Championship qualification, the Lady Bisons are in a strong position as they head toward the end of the outdoor season. The top 20-24 declared athletes in each individual event and the top 14-16 relay teams typically earn a trip to the NCAA DII Outdoor Championships.

For more updates on Harding Track & Field, stay tuned to HardingSports.com.