Bliss Finishes Fifth & Qualifies for National Championships at NCAA East Preliminaries

LEXINGTON, Ky.- Evelyn Bliss finished fifth in the javelin throw at the NCAA East Preliminaries, becoming the first Bison in three years to earn qualification for the NCAA National Championships. Two fellow teammates, Justley Sharp and Brylee Tereska, also competed and distinguished themselves against the East's best.

"I'm proud of all three ladies and how they composed themselves throughout the competition," said throws coach Ryan Protzman. "Brylee and Justley competed well and are gaining great experience for their futures. Evie did a great job of knowing that just being ranked high going into the competition doesn't guarantee a trip to the NCAA Finals. She executed and now the fun begins."

Results

Recap

Bliss's fifth-place throw went 170-9 feet, a distance which would rank second in Bucknell history if she did not already hold the spot. Her attempt outdistanced several Power Five throwers and the Patriot League foes she defeated to earn gold at the conference's outdoor championships. She entered the competition ranked fifth in the eastern standings. Bliss became the fifth Bison to earn qualification for the National Championships and the first one since legendary javelin thrower Maura Fiamoncini in 2021. Her placement was the highest by an Orange & Blue clad athlete since Fiamoncini also finished fifth in 2021. Bliss was the second-highest finishing freshman.

Tereska also competed in the javelin throw and finished 26th via a throw of 149-4. She improved 12 spots upon her 38th placement during last year's East Preliminaries. She and Bliss were the highest-finishing pair among the non-Power Five schools with more than one participant. Tereska became the first Bison since Fiamoncini to compete in back-to-back East Preliminaries.

Sharp was seeded 38th in the shot put and lived up to the billing, finishing equal to her ranking. The reigning school record holder sealed the placement with a 48-7 1/4 throw. Sharp became the first Bison since Sophia Nnadi in 2015 and only the third Bucknell athlete overall to compete at the East Preliminaries in the shot put.

Up Next

Bucknell has two remaining participants in the East Preliminaries in Karen Hull and Sharp. Both will compete on Saturday. Hull is in the high jump and Sharp will throw the discus.

Bliss Finishes Fifth & Qualifies for National Championships at NCAA East Preliminaries

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Players Mentioned

Evelyn Bliss

Karen Hull

Justley Sharp

Brylee Tereska