WASHINGTON – Melissa Riggins snagged an automatic qualifying time in the 1,500-meter semifinals to qualify for the finals of the event at the 2023 NCAA Outdoor Championships. Thursday marked the second of the four-day meet, held June 7-10 at Mike A. Myers Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas. It serves as the final collegiate meet of the season.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Through the first 799 meters, the race went out at a slower pace that kept the pack together and started to push Riggins out the back. Riggins moved to the outside and moved up to the front to push herself among the lead pack, running extra distance as she was in lane two. At the bell, Riggins pushed to another level and outlasted some of the other runners in what proved to be a tactical semifinal. Riggins clocked 4:18.46 to finish fifth in the second heat and secure the last automatic qualifying spot.

 
OF NOTE

• Riggins advances to the 1,500-meter final on Saturday, June 10. It will be Riggins' first appearance in an NCAA final.

 
2023 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES EST)
Saturday, June 10
9:12 p.m. - Women's 1,500m Final (Riggins)
10:55 p.m. - Women's 5,000m Final (Scrimgeour)
 
 
FOLLOW THE HOYAS

• A link to live results will be available on GUHoyas.com.
• The entire meet will be available on the ESPN family of networks with all times in EST
  • Saturday, June 10: 5 p.m. - midnight on ESPN+ | 9 - 11:30 p.m. on ESPN2