AZUSA, Calif. - University of Hawai`i heptathletes Annett Wichmann and Mallory Gilbert had exceptional performances on the first day of their respective multi-event competitions, Wednesday, at Azusa Pacific's Cougar Stadium. Wichmann currently sits in sixth place at the Mt. SAC heptathlon while Gilbert is in 11th place at the California Invitational heptathlon.

Wichmann, who is looking to qualify for the NCAA Championship for the second consecutive year in the event, is eight points off of her school-record pace set at last year's Western Athletic Conference Championship. The Jena, Germany native, accumulated 3,200 points through the competition's first four events.

The junior posted marks of 14.83 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles, 5-7.75 in the high jump, 42-4.75 in the shot put and 26.72 seconds in the 200-meter dash. At last year's WAC Championships, Wichmann tallied 3,208 first day points en route to a 5,374 NCAA provisional point total, which eventually earned her a spot at the NCAA Championship.

Gilbert posted a personal best 2,776 first day points which included new heptathlon event PRs in the shot put (33-10.25) and 200-meter dash (27.97). The Clovis, Calif., native, also tied her heptathlon personal best in the high jump (5-7.75) and ran 16.01 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles.

The NCAA provisional mark of 5,050 points is within Wichmann's range while Gilbert would need a monster second day of 2,276 points to attain that standard. Both competitions conclude on Thursday with the long jump, javelin, and 800-meter run events.

Gilbert and Wichmann will next join their teammates at the Cal State Los Angeles Twilight Open, Azusa Pacific Invitational and Mt. SAC Relays over the next three days.

-UH-