JOLIET, Ill. - Two of the best-ever William Woods University women's 5,000-meter run runners, Mekayla Gibson and Hailey Gerard, took the starting line in the event for the final time this season, both finishing with strong showings in the University of St. Francis Fighting Chance Invite, held by St. Francis (Ill.) from Friday to Saturday at Joliet Memorial Stadium.

Gaining confidence heading into nationals, Gibson ran a 17-minute, 33.83-second 5k to place 14th out of 17 in the Invitational event. Gerard ended her season with a bang, achieving a personal best 17:38.47 (prev. PR: 17:49.24) to finish 17th.

"Impressive showing from them tonight," William Woods track and field coach Anthony Stockton said. "Ideal weather for the times, we as a coaching staff feel confident that Mekayla is going to have a good showing at nationals. Looking forward to see how Mekayla and Anna compete! Looking forward to see Hailey earn her spot soon! I want to thank the amazing coaching staff, both past and present, and the kids. They have worked so hard, and I am glad they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. Go Owls!"

Two Owls, Gibson and Anna Hart, compete against the nation's best in the 44th Annual NAIA Women's Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, hosted by Indiana Wesleyan University from May 21-23 at Wildcat Stadium in Marion, Ind. Hart will take part in the 5k race walk prelims at 11:30 a.m. CST May 21 - the final will be at 3:25 p.m. May 22 - and Gibson in the 10k final at 7:20 p.m. May 21.