LA CROSSE, Wis. (Duhawks.com) - Following a third place finish at the 2016 Iowa Conference Championships, Loras' Women's 4x400 Relay team set out with one goal in mind on Thursday, to qualify for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships. In the process, the Duhawks broke the school record set in 2002 and put themselves in a position to qualify for this year's championships.

Loras' 4x400 Relay record had stood since 2002 when the team of Jenny Johnson, Andrea Metcalf, Theresa Kell and Wendy Ellis ran it in 3:48.87. Both Metcalf and Ellis are members of the Loras Athletics Hall of Fame. Coming into Thursday, Loras had posted a top time of 3:53.90 at the UW-Platteville Invitational in April. With senior Bree Powers as the lead, the Duhawks raced their way to a spot in Waverly with their time of 3:48.27. Joining Powers on the relay squad was sophomore Rachel Kilburg, freshman Allie Serres and junior Alexis Hanson. Loras' time ranks seventh in Division III as of Friday.

Junior Audrey Hooks took second in the 100m Hurdles with her time of 14.53, which ranks 23rd in Division III. Earlier this season at the Dr. Tucker Open, Hooks ran her best time of the season of 14.44, which puts her 19th in the country.

Senior Zach Frey shaved precious time off his 800m race, taking second with a time of 1:50.49. Frey improved to ninth in Division III and will be heading to nationals.

Powers attempted to cut time off her 200m mark on Thursday, coming in with a season-best time of 24.79. Despite finishing second in the heat with a time of 24.88, Powers will hope for a trip to nationals with her previous best time.

The official qualifier list will be published later this weekend and the Duhawks will learn of who will be continuing their season at the 2016 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, hosted by Wartburg College, which begins on Thursday, May 26.