W. track: Senior surfaces in middle distance

Cloaked in anonymity throughout her UCLA career, Melissa McBain
is a secret no longer.

A sterling indoor season has propelled McBain into a strong
start outdoors, reaffirming her status as perhaps UCLA’s top
middle-distance runner, at least until three-time NCAA champion
Lena Nilsson begins competing later this month.

McBain, maybe the Bruins’ most improved athlete this
season, was impressive once again this past weekend, snatching a
pair of victories in the 1500 and 3000 meters at the Rafer
Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational.

“To be able to contribute at the highest level possible,
that’s the best reward,” the senior said.
“That’s what you strive for.”

The past few months have undeniably been a breakthrough for
McBain, who enjoyed only mild success as a steeplechaser prior to
this season.

With a switch in focus to the shorter distance events, McBain
has excelled, running the nation’s sixth fastest 1500m and
the 14th fastest 800m so far outdoors.

Still fatigued from a pair of grueling races at the Texas Relays
the previous week, McBain was not at her best this past
weekend.

Nonetheless she ran a speedy 9:23.88 in the 3000m Friday night,
following that up with a 4:21.94 in the 1500m the following
afternoon.

In that race, she was clearly laboring on the final lap, yet
broke away from the pack to win by nearly three seconds over
teammate Alejandra Barrientos.

“I wasn’t feeling well at all,” McBain said.
“We’ve had a pretty busy schedule, but it’s great
to be able to work through the times you’re not feeling well.
That’s the true test.”

McBain will now focus on the 1500m at regionals and nationals,
and her immediate goal is to break the 4:20 mark for the first time
in her career.

She hasn’t, however, ruled out competing in the
steeplechase later this season, particularly at the USC dual meet
or the Pac-10 Championship, where the Bruins might need her points
to win.

“I have so much passion and love for the steeple, so I
want to leave that door open,” she said.

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