PORTLAND, Ore. - Running against 2016 Olympic hopefuls, Appalachian State University women's track and field sprinter, Darlene Girardeau, finished in seventh out of seven in heat two of the 60-meter dash prelims at the USATF Indoor Championships on Friday.

"It was a great experience racing against some of the best in the world," said Darlene. "Although there were some issues hearing the gun, I felt really good in my race. I know what I need to work on going into the outdoor season. I want to thank Appalachian State athletics, Doug Gillin, coach (John) Weaver, and especially coach (Damion) McLean for the opportunity to be here."

Girardeau was one of 20 competing amongst three heats and running out of lane five, she was clocked at 7.63. The fastest overall time was 7.13 turned in by Barbara Pierre in heat two.

"She raced well and it was really good race experience for her for the future," said associate head coach Damion McLean. "They were having problems with the electronic gun and no one could hear it. That's why they called the first heat back, someone didn't move."

This event wraps a successful indoor season for the junior who competed in four different events for 2015-16 season and won in each event including the 60 (one win), long jump (one win), 55-meter dash (two wins), and 200-meter dash (one win).

Girardeau now looks to the outdoor season, which begins on March 18-19 at the Wake Forest Invitational.