FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Natalie Block competed in the quarterfinals of the 400-meter hurdles at the NCAA West Preliminary Round hosted by Arkansas at John McDonnell Field Saturday.
 
With a time of 56.82, the second-fastest time of her career, Block placed 12th overall in a highly competitive field. Despite ranking among the top times of the day, the event's automatic qualifying format resulted in her finishing just shy of a berth to the NCAA Championships semifinals in Eugene, Ore.
 
"Finishing 12th, but without a "q" after your time definitely stings," said head coach Andrew Basler. "Natalie did not have a typical season leading up to the NCAA West. Due to some health reasons, we had to pull back after just her 2nd race in early April. We had to think outside of the box with her training. Through it all, she stayed composed and ready. When she did practice on her feet, her hurdle reps indicated 54-55 second potential. But, there is something to be said about what you learn and gain from actual competition reps. Natalie just did not have those opportunities leading to this weekend which could have helped."
 
"She should be very proud of her effort today," added Basler. "She ran the 2nd fastest time of her career… a time that would have qualified for NCAA each of the last two years."