After earning four provisionals and an automatic qualifying mark, the Missouri Southern women’s track and field team is set to compete in tomorrow’s Pittsburg State Invitational.

“We had a nice opening meet last week,” said Women’s Head Coach Patty Vavra. “I feel confident going into the meet at Pittsburg.”

Junior thrower Jill Weeks earned an automatic qualifying mark in the javelin in MSSU’s Track and Field Festival. She was also named MIAA Field Athlete of the Week.

Weeks won the javelin with a throw of 151 feet, one inch, setting a new facility record.

“Jill threw extremely well,” Vavra said. “She threw close to a school record on her opening throw. I’m happy for her.”

Senior Kara Eckard won the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 11:03.

“She had a good provisional mark,” Vavra said. “But, she’ll get even better as the season goes along.”

Junior Ciara Lipsey received a provisional in the pole vault. Lipsey vaulted a height of 11 feet, 11 and three quarter inches.

“This was a nice opening mark for Ciara,” Vavra said. “It’s going to take more for her to get into the national meet, but she will get there.”

Junior Channell Lloyd won the 400-meter hurdles. Lloyd also competed in the long jump (4th), triple jump (2nd) and 100-meter (2nd) hurdles.

“Channell had a nice day,” Vavra said. “She was near a provisional mark in the 100-meter hurdles.”

Distance runner Kimi Shank won the 5,000-meter run with a time of 17:24. Junior Courtney Waltbillig finished second in the event.

“Kimi is coming off of an illness,” Vavra said. “I can see marked improvements in her performances. She’s not completely back yet, but she’s getting closer every week.”

Junior Erin Steffens and sophomore Nicole Green earned provisional marks in the shot put, placing second and third.

Steffens threw a distance of 44 feet, one half inches.

“All five of our throwers have national experience now,” Vavra said. “They are steady, competitive, and could all be national contenders.”

Senior Shannan Borgard won the 800-meter run, while sophomore Silvia Pineda won the 1,500-meter run.

The women’s team signed three athletes for the fall 2009 roster on Wednesday.

The Lions will welcome Coffeyville Community College heptathlete Brandy Simpson.

“Brandy will give us experience in the collegiate setting and in the combined events,” Vavra said.

Also joining the Lions will be Marlee Tegenkamp, a native of Lee Summitt. Tegenkamp will run cross country and track and field for Southern.

Her brother ran for the University of Wisconsin and is currently a professional runner with the Nike team.

“Marlee come from a great program at Lee Summit and has already run some outstanding times this season,” Vavra said. “She comes from a ‘running’ family and has great promise to make an immediate impact to our cross country and track and field teams.”

Michelle Stevens was the third signee for the women’s team.

“She is a young lady that we feel will develop,” Vavra said. “She should add depth to our cross country team.”

Tomorrow’s meet at Pittsburg State University will begin at noon with field events.