By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- Distance runner Taylor Ostrander (Sr., Kenai, AK/Kenai Central HS) from Willamette University has bene chosen as the Northwest Conference Women's Track Student-Athlete of the Week after winning the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the John Knight Twilight on Friday, April 8.

Ostrander took first place in the steeplechase with a time of 10:57.45. She qualified for the NCAA Championships each of the past three seasons in the steeplechase, and may have earned another qualifying mark in her first time running the race this year. Her time ranks fifth in NCAA Division III this season.

On Friday, Ostrander finished well in front of Emily Peterson from University of Portland, who earned second place in 11:19.70. Nevina De Luca from Portland State University was third and Grace Knapp from Western Oregon University placed fourth.

A select group of Willamette athletes will participate in the Oregon Relays on Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Another group of Bearcats will travel to Oregon City, Oregon, on Saturday, April 16 for the Cougar Open at Clackamas Community College.