Bliss Places Second at Raleigh Relays

RALEIGH, N.C.- Bucknell's two star javelin throwers opened their 2025 seasons at the Raleigh Relays on Thursday and logged impressive results. All-American Evelyn Bliss finished second and two-time NCAA qualifier Brylee Tereska placed eighth against a deep and talented pool of javelineers. Their mark should unlock entry into the NCAA First Round in Jacksonville, Florida (May 28-31).

Results

"It was a quality opener for the ladies," said throws coach Ryan Protzman. "Those marks will qualify them for the NCAA First Round, which was the primary goal today. Both are capable of a big year, and I'm excited for them to build off today's competition."

Bliss threw the javelin for the first time in competition since her bronze medal in the U20 World Championships in August 2024 and the All-American quickly shook off any rust. Her first attempt flew 43.05m (141-3). Each subsequent toss, until her final gambit, increased in distance topping out at 51.97m (170-6). Her sixth and final chance fouled out but her previous distance aligned with some of her best collegiate marks. Bliss finished less than a meter behind event winner Christina Ellina (Virginia) - a transfer from Florida International University who placed 18th at last year's NCAA National Championships.

"It was a great day for an opening meet," said Bliss. "I punched my ticket for the first round but I am still unsatisfied."

The sophomore enters her second season after executing one of Bucknell's finest freshman campaigns in school history. She won four collegiate competitions, won gold at the Patriot League Outdoor Championships, notched All-American honors by placing 13th at the NCAA National Championships, repeated as the U20 National Champion, and finished sixth at the United States Olympic Trials.

Tereska, a junior javelineer, qualified for the NCAA First Round in her first two seasons and with today's accomplishment, has a favorable chance to repeat the trick for a third time. Her first throw of 46.06m (151-1) represented her best effort. The junior finished 38th in her freshman NCAA First Round and improved to 26th last year.

"The Raleigh Relays had some great competition to prepare Evie and I for the upcoming season," said Tereska. "The weather was also perfect and we couldn't have asked for anything more. I felt like I had a lot of energy and good speed on the runway. I can't wait for what the rest of this season has to bring."

Bucknell track & field competes this Saturday at the Lafayette Invitational.

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Players Mentioned

Evelyn Bliss

Brylee Tereska