Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Sadie Rucker
Ellis Advances In 1,500m Run To Open NCAA West Preliminary
5/28/2026 10:30:00 PM | Women's Cross Country & Track
Redshirt junior to compete in quarterfinals on Saturday
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (May 28, 2026) – Skye Ellis used a strong closing surge to secure a berth in the 1,500m run quarterfinals as Northwestern track opened its stay at the NCAA West Preliminary this evening in Fayetteville, Ark.
Competing in the third of four heats of the 1,500m run, Ellis automatically booked a spot in Saturday's quarterfinal round following a time of 4:21.42 that saw her place third overall. Coming off a seventh-place finish in the event at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships, Ellis, a native of Jan Juc, Australia, finished her final 400m in 1:00.77 en route to advancing on.
Gallery: (5-28-2026) Track at NCAA West Preliminary
The Wildcats wrapped up their first night of competition at the University of Arkansas' John McDonnell Field in the 10,000m run semifinals.
After shattering the program record in her first career appearance in the event to begin the outdoor season, Ava Criniti led the way for Northwestern. The Lexington, Mass. product placed 23rd overall in 33:54.17, outperforming her pre-championship seed by six places.
Jackie Holman checked in just over a minute back of Criniti, running 34:56.79 to finish 37th. This evening's showing closes out an impressive outdoor campaign for the San Francisco, Calif. native in which she ascended into the top 10 on the program record board in three different events.
Northwestern wraps up action at the NCAA West Preliminary on Saturday evening. Ellis will return to the track for 1,500m quarterfinals at 5:15 p.m. CT before Cary Drake and Anna Hightower battle for a berth to the national meet in the 3,000m steeplechase at 5:40 p.m. CT. Like Ellis, Criniti will be back in action when she closes out the night in the 5,000m run at 8:10 p.m. CT.
Competing in the third of four heats of the 1,500m run, Ellis automatically booked a spot in Saturday's quarterfinal round following a time of 4:21.42 that saw her place third overall. Coming off a seventh-place finish in the event at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships, Ellis, a native of Jan Juc, Australia, finished her final 400m in 1:00.77 en route to advancing on.
The Wildcats wrapped up their first night of competition at the University of Arkansas' John McDonnell Field in the 10,000m run semifinals.
After shattering the program record in her first career appearance in the event to begin the outdoor season, Ava Criniti led the way for Northwestern. The Lexington, Mass. product placed 23rd overall in 33:54.17, outperforming her pre-championship seed by six places.
Jackie Holman checked in just over a minute back of Criniti, running 34:56.79 to finish 37th. This evening's showing closes out an impressive outdoor campaign for the San Francisco, Calif. native in which she ascended into the top 10 on the program record board in three different events.
Northwestern wraps up action at the NCAA West Preliminary on Saturday evening. Ellis will return to the track for 1,500m quarterfinals at 5:15 p.m. CT before Cary Drake and Anna Hightower battle for a berth to the national meet in the 3,000m steeplechase at 5:40 p.m. CT. Like Ellis, Criniti will be back in action when she closes out the night in the 5,000m run at 8:10 p.m. CT.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
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