FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Utah Valley University wrapped up the week at the NCAA Division I West Preliminary Rounds on Saturday with Hannah Branch, Everlyn Kemboi and Mazzie Melaney Preston competing in the 5,000-meter race.
 
Branch finished in 23rd overall with Melaney Preston was right behind her in 24th and Kemboi finished 28th. Branch and Melaney Preston both ran in the first of two heats, finishing 11th and 12th, respectively, while Kemboi landed in 13th in her heat. The top five from each heat and the next two best times advanced to NCAA Nationals.
 
On Thursday, Branch and Kemboi both punched their tickets to the 10k finals in Eugene, Oregon, with Adam Bunker (3k steeplechase) and Aaron Johnson (long jump) joining them. The female duo represents the first-ever UVU women's team members to advance to the NCAA Outdoor Finals while the four student-athletes going to nationals are the most in program history.
 
Bunker set a school record on Friday in the 3k and slid into the 12th and final spot while Johnson registered the fifth-best jump on Wednesday to earn his bid. The 2022 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships will be held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon from June 8-11.