From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank

Natalie Dumas began her quest for a spot on the U.S. Under-20 National Team by advancing in the 400-meter dash at Under-20 Nationals Thursday at Heyward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Dumas, skipping West Philly Nationals to race at Under-20 Nationals for the first time, ran 52.20 and placed 3^rd in the first of three semifinal races. The final is scheduled for 3:38 p.m. Friday.

The top two in each of three semis plus the next three-fastest times advanced to the final. Dumas had the fastest non-winning time and 4^th-fastest overall time and advanced as a “small-Q” qualifier.

Dumas’s time was 6-100ths of a second off her season-best 52.14 when she won the Meet of Champions at Pennsauken two weeks ago.

Dumas, who graduates from Eastern next week, ran her lifetime-best 51.14 a year ago this week when she won the 400 at West Philly Nationals as part of a 400-800-400IH triple.

Later Thursday, Dumas will race in the 400-meter hurdles semifinals, with the finals slated for 4:38 p.m. Friday. She has scratched from the 800, with the trials scheduled for in between the 400 and intermediates.

Thursday at Heyward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Dumas, skipping West Philly Nationals to race at Under-20 Nationals for the first time, ran 52.20 and placed 3^rd in the first of three semifinal races. The final is scheduled for 3:38 p.m. Friday.

The top two in each of three semis plus the next three-fastest times advanced to the final. Dumas had the fastest non-winning time and 4^th-fastest overall time and advanced as a “small-Q” qualifier.

Dumas’s time was 6-100ths of a second off her season-best 52.14 when she won the Meet of Champions at Pennsauken two weeks ago.

Dumas, who graduates from Eastern next week, ran her lifetime-best 51.14 a year ago this week when she won the 400 at West Philly Nationals as part of a 400-800-400IH triple.

Later Thursday, Dumas will race in the 400-meter hurdles semifinals, with the finals slated for 4:38 p.m. Friday. She has scratched from the 800, with the trials scheduled for in between the 400 and intermediates.