May 9, 2003

Indianapolis, Ind. - University of Illinois at Chicago sophomore distance runner Lizet Diaz placed third overall in the 10,000-meter run with a mark of 37:43.70 to help the Flames to sixth-place after the first day of the Horizon League Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the Michael A. Carroll Track and Field Stadium on Thursday evening.

Heading into Friday's competition, UW-Milwaukee is in the lead with 52 points, followed by Butler (30), Detroit (22), Youngstown State (22), Loyola (18), UIC (9) and Wright State (2).

Rounding out the point scoring for UIC with a trio of sixth-place finishes were sophomore Sara Jeffers (3,000-meter steeplechase, 11:44.22), Danielle Simpson (Hammer Throw, 137'7") and Crystal Sanders (long jump, 16'5 ¾").

Sanders also advanced to the finals of both the 100 and 400-meter hurdles. She placed third in her heat in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.07 and capped it off by winning her race in the 400-meter hurdles (1:04.06).

Freshman Tamika Johnson also advanced to the finals in both the 200-meter dash (9th, 26.57) and 400-meter dash (8th, 59.68).

The Horizon League Outdoor Track and Field Championships will conclude on Friday evening.