SEWARD, Neb. – Claire Caspersen might be finding her groove at just the right time.

The five-time All-American unleashed her best throw of the season Friday on her first attempt in the seeded shot put, a mark of 14.64 meters (48 feet, ½ inches) at the Concordia Twilight meet that ranks fourth nationally in the NAIA this season and was good for fourth place in the event.

It was just off the senior's personal best of 14.73 (48-4) and is an "A" qualifying mark for the NAIA Outdoor Championships in Marion, Ind., from May 21 to 23.

"Claire never needed to prove anything to us, but I think she needed to remind herself just who she is,'' CSM Coach Steve Gordon Jr. said. "Being a student-athlete is far harder than anyone gives these young ladies credit for, and the rigors of student teaching and senior year were weighing heavily on her.

"With all of that done, it's no wonder that she uncorked a huge throw and found a little of that joy returning.''

The event was a chance for athletes to take one last crack at qualifying for the outdoor national meet. The official qualifiers for open and relay events will be announced on May 14.

In the long jump, freshman Mikaiya Rodgers went 5.58 meters (18-3¾), just .09 meters off her season outdoor best, to place third.

"Mikaiya was very consistent and on par with the way she's performed all season,'' Gordon said. "A few fouls that were huge jumps, but that's on me because we cannot get big marks being safe. She had to go for it on every attempt, because the win nor the place is the thing – the mark for nationals was. She never disappoints.''

Freshman Kara Muller set a new personal best and program record in the 1,500 meters, finishing sixth in 4:51.44.

Freshman Syd'ney Birch-George "launched huge throw after huge throw,'' eclipsing her personal best by more than five meters with a mark of 45.64 (149-9), good for eighth place.

Freshman Olivia Elbert ran her third consecutive 2:16 in the 800, going 2:16.73 for seventh place. Freshman Josie Karnik set a personal best in the same race, running 2:22.88 for 11^th.

"We have amazing freshmen competing with the consistency of seasoned collegiate athletes at the end of a very long school year,'' Gordon said. "Our future is bright as can be!''

Senior two-sport athlete Madalynn Rhodes, a four-time all-conference performer, placed eighth in the seeded javelin at 35.78 (117-4) in what likely was her final competition as a Flame.

"In some cases 'last chance' is a farewell,'' Gordon said. "Madalynn had a great season and an outstanding career at CSM. We are proud of the senior season she's had, setting new personal bests and program records.''

Here are the rest of the CSM results:

100 prelims: 10, Savannah Horne 12.37.

200: 7, Mackenzie Stanley 26.91.

400: 10, Ava Hilger 1:00.82.

800: 10, Mira Fosmer 2:20.24.

Hammer (unseeded): 7, Clare Ullery 45.82 (150-4).

"Everyone competing in this 'last chance' qualifier competed light and had fun,'' Gordon said. "The atmosphere is very different because every athlete from every team is just trying to do their best for a mark to get to nationals. Athletes and coaches are supporting and cheering for athletes from other teams – the vibe is great!''