TAMPA, Fla. - For the second time in her career, senior Michelle Howell will represent Jacksonville University women's track and field at the highest collegiate level. Howell set a new personal best in the 800-meter run at the NCAA East Prelims, Friday afternoon at USF Track and Field Stadium.

Howell placed second in her heat of the 800 with a new PR of 2:04.37 - just 0:00.24 off her previous personal best - to advance to the NCAA Finals held June 6-9 at the University of Oregon.

"I am proud of Michelle for her second-straight day of perfect race execution," stated Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Ron Grigg. "She used her catalogue of race experiences to find perfect position throughout the race, and moved to guarantee top three in her heat. She raced like a seasoned veteran in the most pressure-packed and consequential race of her career. She deserves all the credit."

The 2018 ASUN Conference Most Outstanding Track Performer and ASUN Champion in the event, Howell has been a force in the event as she made the 2017 NCAA Indoor Championships to become the Dolphins' first indoor All-American in eight years.

On the final day of the NCAA East Prelims, graduate student Stormm Phillips and junior Brittany Bowald will compete in the triple jump at 12:30 p.m.