Entering the girls 100-meter preliminary heats Friday in the CIF State Track and Field Championships at Buchanan High in Clovis, Shakira Lewis was just the No. 25-seeded qualifier. By the time the three preliminary heats were complete, Lewis had definitely garnered some attention.

The Sierra High speedster put together an 11.92 qualifying race, finishing tied with another runner and .001s of a second ahead of the fourth qualifier of the heat. Two qualifiers were added from the second heat, while the third heat also boasted four qualifiers.

“Her heat was the fastest of all three of them,” Sierra first-year head track Nate Diamantine said. “Their race had the most qualifiers come out of it. Two girls tied for ninth place overall and will have a special run-off between the two girls to see who gets the final spot in the finals.

“That’s how close all nine spots were getting into the finals.”

Lewis has already cemented her name in the Sierra High record books, breaking her school record in the 100-meters for the third time in four weeks. Lewis is also just the second Sierra track athlete to advance to the state finals and the first female from the school to do so.

“It is huge in many ways,” Diamantine said. “She is the first Sierra High sprinter to make it to the state meet and of course to the finals and another side to that is she is a first-year track athlete.

“I told her today, the hard work she has put in since day one got her to where she’s at tonight and tomorrow.”

Lewis can put a glistening finish on an already impressive track season with a placing finish in the girls 100-meter final. Coming in with the No. 7 qualifying time, Lewis can definitely put together a performance that would land her on a podium.

“Tonight, I just need to get a good night’s sleep,” Lewis said after advancing. “And probably take an ice-bath so my legs are fresh for tomorrow. Tomorrow, I want to go out like I did today, but have more focus and try not to be so nervous.

“I was more nervous today that I usually am.”

The girls 100-meter final is scheduled to begin at 7:01 p.m.