Harvard University senior Victoria Bossong of Cumberland (Cheverus) took a step toward qualifying for the NCAA track and field championships by running the sixth fastest time Thursday in the first round of the women’s 800 meters at the East Regional in Jacksonville, Florida.

Bossong finished second in her heat with a time of 2 minutes, 2.39 seconds to advance to Saturday’s three quarterfinal heats. Bossong needs to finish in the top three in her quarterfinal heat or be among the three next fastest times to qualify for the NCAA championships June 11-14 in Eugene, Oregon.

Bossong made it to nationals last year but was one spot shy of reaching the 800 final.

University of New Hampshire freshman Sarah Moore of Lisbon (North Yarmouth Academy) also competed Thursday and placed 28th in the long jump at 19 feet, 6 inches. Moore, the America East champion, was seeded 18th with a best of 20-8. The top 12 advanced to nationals.

Another UNH freshman, Ruth White of Orono, earned a trip to the NCAA championships late Thursday night by finishing sixth in the 10,000 with a time of 32:50.17. She broke her own school record of 32:57.83, which she ran to win the America East title.