GULF SHORES, Ala. – Both Ariana Anderson (JR/Torrance, Calif.) and Nicholas Hernandez (SR/Madera, Calif.) of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) track qualified for their respective finals in the 5,000m at the NAIA National Championships on Thursday evening.

Anderson ran in her second event at the NAIA National Championships on Thursday night when she ran in the prelims of the 5,000m. The pack stayed tight in the first heat. The first six finishers all came across the line within three seconds of each other. Then Anderson had to turn on her jets to qualify for the final. She finished just two seconds ahead of eighth place and was the last person to qualify for the final. She ran a 17:55.53. She will race in the final on Friday at 5:55 EST.

In the next event Hernandez handled his business. The Eagle hung with the pack and did more than enough to qualify for Friday's final by running the race in 14:50.96. Despite being within a second of the top three times for the qualifying race, Hernandez finished with the ninth fastest time. It will be a good one tomorrow as he tries to become the fourth All-American for the Eagles. The men run immediately following the women.

Live results will be available via the NAIA website!