GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Grace's track and field team began racing on Thursday for the opening day of the 2025 NAIA Indoor National Championships.

The Lancers qualified for the finals in two of their three races on Thursday, setting the stage for an exciting final two days.

In the 5,000-meter preliminary run, Esther Cameron produced a sizzling time of 17:19.84. She ran the fourth-fastest time in the field, earning a spot in Saturday's championship race.

Brandon Kleber also raced in the men's 5,000, but he bowed out after 3,600 meters.

The women's 4x800 relay squad of Tame Baylis, Morgan Welch, Cadence Manning and Kylie Sauder impressed during their preliminary run. The foursome posted a time of 9:15.95, riding a furious finish from Sauder to secure a spot in the finals. The finals will be held on Friday night (6:10 p.m.).

The Lancers will compete in three preliminary events on Friday, including the mile, the 800 and the 3,000.