Evans makes shot put finals

Learn more about women's track and field coach Tonja Buford-Bailey here.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Illinois’ Aja Evans finished fourth in the shot put preliminaries, going 54 feet, 103/4 inches Wednesday, to earn a spot in the finals at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

In the women’s 400-meter hurdles prelims, Illinois’ Deserea Brown was third fastest in 56.96 seconds and Latoya Griffith was 13th fastest in 58.18. Both advanced to the semifinals.

"Deserea did a wonderful job in the 400 hurdles," UI coach Tonja Buford-Bailey said. " She ran a season-best, executed well, looked confident and took over from the gun. Aja looked really confident and together and was able to qualify for finals on her second throw. And of course, Angela should be in good position for her final on Friday."

In the men’s pole vault, Illinois’ Andrew Zollner went 16-83/4 and tied for 19th in the prelims.