EUGENE, ORE.  - UNC Asheville junior sprinter Natalie Pearson finished with a time of 24.07 in the preliminary round of the 200 meters at the NCAA Track and Field championships Thursday night at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon.

Pearson finished seventh in her heat and 18^th overall in the event. She did not qualify for the finals on Saaturday.

Bulldog coach Jesse Norman was proud of Person's effort on Thursday and what she's accomplished this year.

"Natalie ran a good race but she ran against some fantastic competition," stated Norman. "She was hurt a little bit too and that didn't help today either. However, Natalie still beat out of some the best runners in the country this afternoon, and she's only going to get better.

"Last year Natalie qualified for the regional for the first time in her career and got some good experience that helped her this year," commented Norman. "We're looking at the nationals the same way. She got some great experience with this experience and that's only going to make her better and stronger for next year."

Pearson enjoyed a tremendous junior season as she set school records in the 100 and 200 meters during the year. She finished third at the Big South Conference meet in the 100 and then won the 200 with a record-breaking time. The Sheffield England native was ranked first in the nation early in the season in the 200.

"We're very proud of Natalie and what she has accomplished this year," declared Norman. "She's worked very hard and helped give our program a lot of recognition thanks to her."