The Illinois women's track and field team boasts 18 qualifiers in 13 events to the NCAA West Preliminary Round of Championship at the University of Texas in Austin from May 23-25.

Sophomore Ashley Spencer was named Big Track Athlete of the Year and of the Championships announced Tuesday by the conference office.

Four Big Ten titles highlighted the final day of competition at the outdoor conference meet for the Illinois women's track and field team, as the squad finishes second overall with 120 points.

Stephanie Richartz highlighted day two of the Big Ten Championships, defending her conference title in the pole vault on Saturday while the team qualified 17 individuals in eight events for the finals tomorrow.

Despite battling heavy rain throughout the entire first day of the Big Ten Championships, the Illinois women's track and field team finished the day with a third place finish in the 10,000m.

The No. 18 Illinois women's track and field team will look for a conference title this weekend, as the squad competes in the Big Ten Outdoor Championships from Friday through Sunday at Ohio State's Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.