Senior Emily Canales (Redlands, CA) of the University of Redlands track & field program advanced to the finals of the 3000m Steeplechase at the 2012 NCAA Division III Championships earlier tonight, completing the preliminary race with a time of 10:49.91.  She looks forward to competing again on Saturday at 1:45 p.m. at nearby Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges.

For the first time in NCAA Division III history, the 3000m Steeplechase included a preliminary race to determine the qualifiers for the final.  The top five runners from each heat as well as the next fastest four competitors all move on, resulting in 14 women battling for the championship.

Canales placed third in her heat and fifth overall.  Tonight's time is only five seconds off of her career-best mark, which came at the Cal-Nevada Championships on March 31.

Fans may follow the action via live web streaming at www.ncaa.com or view live results at http://www.deltatiming.com/events/2012/2012-ncaa-division-3-outdoor-championships/.