SEATTLE — Despite spending a chunk of the day riding a bus over the Cascades, Amelia Evans' legs were anything but weary. In fact, they were nearly strong enough to power her to a Gonzaga indoor track record.

Evans produced a time of 17:16.31 in the women's 5,000 meters, falling less than a second shy of the school record, during Friday's first session of the UW Invitational. The meet, which is being held at Dempsey Indoor on the campus of the University of Washington, continues Saturday.

A sophomore competing in her first 5,000-meter race this season, Evans overcame a six-hour bus ride to finish second in her heat and 16th overall. She fell just shy of the school record of 17:15.33, set by Emily Thomas two years ago on this same track.

The Gonzaga women also competed in Friday's distance medley. A team consisting of Katy Culver, Molly Stroosma, Jennifer Wheeler and Shelly Davis finished with a time of 12:28.37, placing them 10th out 12 teams.

A handful of GU men also competed in the 5,000 meters Friday night. Patrick Richie finished third in his heat and 14th overall after posting a time of 14:57.36. It was a personal record and the third-fastest time in school history.

Kyle Branch also set a PR in the 5,000 meters, besting his previous personal mark by more than 40 seconds. His time of 15:00.31, the fifth fastest in Gonzaga's brief indoor history, left him sixth in his heat and 17th overall. This event also featured Troy Fraley, Danny Lunder and Braeden Van Deynze, who finished 19th, 22nd and 25th, respectively.

The collegiate portion of the UW Invitational concludes Saturday, and will feature GU runners competing in the mile, the 800 meters and the 3,000 meters.