By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

EUGENE, Ore. -- For the third time in less than a month, the Willamette University women's 4 x 100-meter relay team has recorded the second-fastest time in Bearcat track and field history. The most recent result was achieved during the Oregon Relays at Hayward Field on Saturday, April 16, as the Bearcats completed the race in 48.79 seconds.

Willamette's relay lowering it previous top time of the season by .03 from 48.82 at the John Knight Twilight on April 8. Earlier this spring, the Bearcats registered a time of 48.98 during the Willamette Invitational on March 26.

Running for the Bearcats on the relay team at the Oregon Relays and the John Knight Twilight were Jewell Sparks (So., San Francisco, CA/Lick Wilmerding HS), Teneah Rushen (So., Portland, OR/Franklin HS), Maura Forbush (Jr., Hollister, CA/San Benito HS) and Kylea Johnson (Sr., Onalaska, WA/Onalaska HS).

Willamette placed sixth in the 4 x 100-meter relay on Saturday. The event was won by Cerrritos in 46.25 seconds, with University of Northern Colorado in second place at 46.56 and Portland State University in third at 46.58. University of Montana was fourth and Lane Community College took fifth, both in 48.65 seconds, just .14 in front of the Bearcats.

The Bearcats will compete at the Northwest Conference Championships in Portland, Oregon, on Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23. The NWC Championships will be hosted by Lewis & Clark College.