Tempe, Arizona- The Bears Women's triathlon team, traveled across the country to compete in the Collegiate National Championship at the historic Tempe Town Lake venue. The Bears qualified for Nationals by winning the Central Regional Qualifier at Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The top eight ranked teams in DII qualified for the Championship along with the top individuals from non-qualified teams. 

In a battle of regional rivals Wingate and Queens, claimed third place, putting them on the podium in their first ever National Championship. The team race came down to a tie breaker against Colorado Mesa University (CMU) for the final podium position. By rule, a tie is broken by the highest placing #4 scoring athlete.  Teresa Vesely outsprinted CMU's #4 in the finishing meters to secure LR's most significant team result in the short history of the program.

The Bears were led out of the water by Kayla Ribbink, with a swim time of 10:58, putting her top 10 onto the bike.  Teammates Chloe Telian and Andie Kuipers were able to claw into the first chase pack with her, working strong together throughout the 20k bike portion.  The trio of Bears led the charge of the pack, putting them in strong positions going on to the 5k run.

The second pack was led by of Teresa Vesely, following close behind the front chase, while Sayti Plank and Nanette Nikolajsen were consolidated in the third chase pack.

"Today was a huge step for the program," remarked Head Coach Bryant Howard. "We knew it was going to be a battle and everyone contributed to this podium."

Next semester the Bears first race will be in Clermont, Florida for NCAA and Elite Development Races. 

1. Queens University- 21
2. Wingate University- 44
3. Lenoir-Rhyne University- 65
4. Colorado Mesa University- 65
5. Davis and Elkins University- 70
6. Black hill State University- 96
7. Drury University-105

1. Kayla Ribbink (1:09:00/10^th)
2. Chloe Telian (1:1012/15^th)
3. Andie Kuipers (1:10:59/19^th)
4. Teresa Vesely (1:11:27/21^st)
5. Franziska Neck (1:13:08/27^th)
6. Nanette Nikolajsen (1:13:28/28^th)
7. Sayti Plank (1:14:31/35^th)