Bliss Wins Javelin Throw and Sets School Record at the NCAA East First Round

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- Evelyn Bliss added another chapter to her historic career with a first place finish in the javelin throw at the 2025 NCAA East First Round on Thursday afternoon, clinching her ticket for the NCAA National Championships. The sophomore javelineer set the record on her first attempt and rode the mark to Bucknell's first-ever triumph in the NCAA East First Round. Fellow javelin thrower Brylee Tereska finished 17th in the event and freshman sprinter Alexandra Lea ran in the 400-meter dash.

"Very nice day for the Bison," said head coach Kevin Donner. "Obviously, we are all very proud of Evie Bliss for having the farthest throw of the day and advancing to Eugene. Brylee hit a nice personal record to finish well above her ranking and was less than a meter from qualifying to Eugene as well. She has improved at this meet every year. Alex had a solid 400-meter dash and being only a freshman, she got great experience and finished right around her pre-meet ranking. She will be back next year. All three ladies are back next year which gives us a tremendous nucleus to build around."

Results

Bliss wasted no time establishing her colossal presence and sealing a ticket to Eugene, throwing 57.06m (187-2) in her first attempt. The mark immediately rocketed her into first place and broke Bucknell's school record of 185-4 set by three-time All-American Maura Fiamoncini in 2021. The distance broke Bliss's previous best mark of 183-2 set at last year's Olympic Trials. With her ticket firmly punched, Bliss disdained to use her final two throws and the fourth seed's mark held up against the best in the East.

"I feel so blessed," said Bliss. "I get to move on to Eugene! Breaking the school record means so much, and I am so lucky to have had Maura set the bar so high for the women's javelin at Bucknell. I feel like I am in a good place moving on to nationals!"

Her first place finish edged Fiamoncini's silver appearance in 2019 for the best placement in Bucknell history for the NCAA East First Round. Bliss finished fifth in the 2024 edition. The sophomore star will head to Eugene seeking to join Fiamoncini as Bucknell's only two-time All-American. The Bison javelineer earned 13th at the 2024 NCAA National Championships.

Fiamoncini provided some words on Bliss's accomplishment, "Such an amazing achievement and even better to break the school record at a big meet! Best of luck to Evie in the next round!"

Bliss has been on an impressive winning streak as this victory marks her sixth straight triumph, which includes repeating as the gold medalist at the Patriot League Outdoor Championships. She became the eighth NCAA Championships Qualifier in Bucknell history.

Tereska entered the competition seeded 31st and impressively out-threw her placement. The junior javelineer set a personal record and advanced into first place on a 48.47 (159-0) throw. She improved upon her first place standing and personal record, tossing 48.57m (159-4). Fate was unkind and she fell out of first by the time her third attempt rolled around. Her final chance flew 47.32m (155-3). Tereska remained sixth entering the fourth and final flight where the highest seeds were stocked. The seeds mostly performed to expectations, knocking Bucknell's thrower to 17th. The finish became Tereska's highest appearance at the NCAA East First Round after she placed 38th (2023) and 26th (2024) and the new mark improved her third-best standing in Bison history.

"It was a fantastic meet -- great weather, great competition, and great people," said Tereska. "It was insane watching Evie break the school record and both of us left with a PR!" Although I wanted more, I am still proud of the two PRs I had today and had my best series of the season. Throws felt great and I came out in a much higher spot than what I was ranked coming in at!"

The Bucknell women's javelin group has spent most of the season hovering in and around the top ten nationally and much of the credit goes to throws coach Ryan Protzman, whose expert guidance has turned the Bison throwers into the program's headliners and has continued the tradition of Javenell University.

"Unbelievable showing from these ladies," said Protzman. "Brylee started the day with a lifetime best, and had everyone refreshing live results hoping there was a chance of staying in the top 12. She came away 17th and I couldn't be more proud of her. She is Miss Consistent, and has shown up in so many big meets throughout her career.

Evelyn had to sit and watch 47 people throw before her. To do that, and not be fazed shows her determination during a competition. She executed perfectly, and brought great energy. A school record, and she certainly sent a message that she is ready to compete for a national title. 'ray Bucknell!"

Lea became the first Bison sprinter to reach the NCAA East First Round since the format changed to East-West. The Bison freshman, who ran 53.07 to set the school and meet records at the Patriot League Outdoor Championships, raced 54.73 for 45th place. The experience will serve Lea well as she continues her already fruitful collegiate career.

Bliss will compete for the second straight year at the NCAA National Championships (June 11-14).

Bliss Wins Javelin Throw and Sets School Record at the NCAA East First Round

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Players Mentioned

Evelyn Bliss

Alexandra Lea

Brylee Tereska