EUGENE, Ore. — Northwest Nazarene graduate Ashley Puga made her run at the U.S. National Track and Field championships Thursday, competing at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

Puga finished 25th in the 800 meter prelim with a time of 2 minutes, 9.70 seconds, but failed to advance to Friday's semi-finals.  Nike's Alysia Johnson had the fastest time (2:04.39) in the prelims.

"Ashley has had a tremendous year," commented NNU head coach John Spatz.  "For her to qualify for the U.S. Championships is a great honor and I don't think it will be her last appearance at that meet."

Last month Puga capped a historic collegiate career at NNU, becoming a two-time NCAA D.II national champion and the most decorated NNU track & field athlete of all-time.