LA CROSSE, Wisc. – Bailey Puckett toppled her own program record in the 1500-meter run this afternoon at the NCAA Championships hosted by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Puckett's time of 4:25.02 qualified her for Saturday's finals. The top eight finishers on Saturday will earn All-America status from the NCAA and First Team All-America status from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. 

Puckett's race came together over the final 800 meters, moving from last place to fifth over the final two laps to earn one of the four qualifying spots on time. Her preliminary round time was seventh fastest. Her time of 4:25.02 also represents the fastest time ever by an athlete competing in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

Saturday's final is set for 2:25 p.m. where Puckett will run for the Thunder one last time, capping off an incredible career.