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Wednesday, May 28
College Station, Texas
Rice University
vs
NCAA West Preliminary
Taylor Advances to NCAA Championships
5/31/2025 6:24:00 PM | Women's Track & Field
COLLEGE STATION – The Rice women's track and field team ended the team's stay at the NCAA West Prelims in style Saturday afternoon in College Station, with Alice Taylor securing her ticket to nationals in the high jump.
Taylor joins Mckyla Van der Westhuizen as the two athletes representing the Owls at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
After clearing the first two bars cleanly at 1.71m and 1.76m, a pivotal first attempt clearance at 1.81m proved to be the deciding factor, as Taylor was able to advance to the championships.
This marks back-to-back seasons that Taylor has advanced to the championships meet, finishing ninth at last season's NCAA Championships.
THURSDAY'S RECAP
Van der Westhuizen has now advanced to the NCAA Championships in each of her three seasons competing. The reigning third-place finisher at last season's championship meet advances after finishing third at prelims with a throw of 57.17m.
Saniya Friendly saw her 2025 campaign come to a close, finishing 40th in the 100m with a time of 11.55s.
Riana Green also finished 40th to close her sophomore season, doing so in the 400m with a time of 54.41s.
Post-Meet Reaction - Head Coach Jim Bevan
"What a tremendous day for Alice. She had a great breakthrough at one of the highest levels of competition that she's been at in her life. To have three consecutive clean clearances at this meet is incredible, and it's what made the difference. It shows what she can do under pressure. Her perfection at those three bars made the difference, and she goes back to Eugene, which should be a great boost of confidence for her. This shows her that she can compete with anyone across the nation. Great meet today for Alice."
RESULTS
High Jump
9. Alice Taylor – 1.81m (5-11.25) - advances
THURSDAY'S RESULTS
100m
40. Saniya Friendly – 11.55s
400m
40. Riana Green – 54.41s
Javelin
3. Mckyla Van der Westhuizen – 57.17m - advances
UP NEXT
Taylor and Van der Westhuizen will represent the Owls at the NCAA Championships starting on June 12.
Taylor joins Mckyla Van der Westhuizen as the two athletes representing the Owls at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
After clearing the first two bars cleanly at 1.71m and 1.76m, a pivotal first attempt clearance at 1.81m proved to be the deciding factor, as Taylor was able to advance to the championships.
This marks back-to-back seasons that Taylor has advanced to the championships meet, finishing ninth at last season's NCAA Championships.
THURSDAY'S RECAP
Van der Westhuizen has now advanced to the NCAA Championships in each of her three seasons competing. The reigning third-place finisher at last season's championship meet advances after finishing third at prelims with a throw of 57.17m.
Saniya Friendly saw her 2025 campaign come to a close, finishing 40th in the 100m with a time of 11.55s.
Riana Green also finished 40th to close her sophomore season, doing so in the 400m with a time of 54.41s.
"What a tremendous day for Alice. She had a great breakthrough at one of the highest levels of competition that she's been at in her life. To have three consecutive clean clearances at this meet is incredible, and it's what made the difference. It shows what she can do under pressure. Her perfection at those three bars made the difference, and she goes back to Eugene, which should be a great boost of confidence for her. This shows her that she can compete with anyone across the nation. Great meet today for Alice."
High Jump
9. Alice Taylor – 1.81m (5-11.25) - advances
THURSDAY'S RESULTS
100m
40. Saniya Friendly – 11.55s
400m
40. Riana Green – 54.41s
Javelin
3. Mckyla Van der Westhuizen – 57.17m - advances
Taylor and Van der Westhuizen will represent the Owls at the NCAA Championships starting on June 12.
Players Mentioned
Sprints
/ Women's Track & Field
Sprints
/ Women's Track & Field
Jumps/Multis
/ Women's Track & Field
Javelin
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