Evelyn Bliss' Facility, Meet, and School Record Headlines Spectacular Day for Bison Women

Sunday, April 12

Lewisburg, Pa.

10:30 a.m.

Bucknell University

Bison Outdoor Classic

Photo by: Isabelle Roes

Evelyn Bliss' Facility, Meet, and School Record Headlines Spectacular Day for Bison Women

4/12/2026 8:17:00 PM | Women's Track and Field

LEWISBURG, Pa.- The sun shined down upon the Bucknell women's track & field on the second day of the Bison Outdoor Classic, as the program enjoyed one of its most bountiful days in recent memory. The Bison women collected five wins, three school records, and six top ten marks. US National Champion Evelyn Bliss headlined the day with her historic distance in the javelin throw.

Results

Bucknell's West Fields throwing area witnessed one of the most memorable moments in Bison track and field history when Bliss stepped up, maintained a stoic facade against a fiery and blustery wind that repeatedly knocked javelins down, mechanically moved down the runway with a form practiced 10,000 times, and uncorked a missile that cut through the sky like a crusading sword. The javelin continued to carry further and further before landing. Bliss and the contingent of spectators, mostly decked out in Orange & Blue attire, waited anxiously for good news. The measurement was taken and the verdict arrived. Bliss had finally crossed the 60 meter milestone. Throws coach Ryan Protzman and the rest of her jubilant teammates rushed to embrace the javelineer.

"I knew it was good when I threw it," said Bliss. "I gave myself a lot of room at the line to chase after it when I threw it. I knew when I threw it that it was clear but I didn't know how far."

Bliss had good reason to expect a massive throw. Her attempts regularly sound like a rocket taking off with a distinct zipping sound and soar like the Artemis II through blue skies before touching down at their intended destination.

She moved past the Jordan River and then some, throwing 61.34m (201-3), to reset the facility, meet, and school record. The distance maintained her number one standing on the NCAA leaderboard and increased her lead by several feet.

Bliss entered the weekend with her mind set on surpassing 60 meters. The Bison star had nearly reached the mark last weekend at the Colonial Relays, throwing 59.95m. Her personal record of 199-6 was set at last year's FISU Games in Germany.

"This means Olympics now," she said. "I am chasing the Olympics now. 61 meters is three away from the standard."

Protzman and Bliss share a kindred connection. Both hail from Western Pennsylvania and typical of that region's residents, rock-solid, loyal, and athletically strong.

"Coach is family," Bliss recounted. "Without him, I am not the javelin thrower I am. He has helped me grow as an athlete and a person."

The throw also moved Bliss into seventh on the all-time American list. She moved past competitor and USA teammate Madison Wiltrout. As of this writing, the throw also sits number one in the world.

"Evelyn Bliss climbed a very special Top 10 list moving to #7 all-time in USA Women's Javelin history," said Protzman. "I think we'll give her the weekend off next week. What an unbelievable talent, and such a great person to work with."

Bliss wasn't the only Bison to reset her school record. Speedster Alexandra Lea trailblazed last year becoming the first Bison sprinter to reach the NCAA East First Round under the modern system. Lea raced 23.53 in the 200-meter dash, to supplant her 23.58 time notched at the 2025 Patriot League Outdoor Championships. The time sits first in the Patriot League and fourth in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Healthy and hale after an indoor season of bumps and bruises, necessitating giant wrappings, Lea has found her stride.

"It feels really good to be back outside," said Lea. "Indoor season was a little rough and I was never able to leave it all out there. I feel like myself again and opening up my season with a school record gives me confidence for the rest of the season."

"Alex battled through several aliments during the indoor season," said sprints coach Richard Alexander. "Despite that she was able to put together a great indoor season. Now we are outdoors and she is feeling better and that shows with the school record today."

Lea anchored the 4x100-meter relay team which finished second. Lea combined with Amanda Agambire, Cami Burkett, and Piper Portacio to race 47.17 - tied for tenth all-time at Bucknell.

Grace Vives recorded the third school record of the day in the mile run. The senior runner demolished Karly Forker's old time of 4:58.41 set in 2021 by racing 4:55.25. Vives grabbed the early lead and never trailed.

"So thankful for four years with amazing teammates and best friends who push me to be better every day," said Vives. "This weekend has been amazing for the whole program and I'm so grateful to be a part of the magic."

Elizabeth Bryant supplied another win for the Bison effort. The senior cleared 12-7.50 in the pole vault to improve upon her second place spot in Bucknell's record book.

Katrina Torelli continued her scintillating three-week pace of personal records and victories by winning the 3000-meter run. She jumped out to an early lead and her time of 10:08.26 easily paced the field.

Brylee Tereska placed second in the javelin throw, recording a personal best 48.73m (159-10) in her first attempt. The distance moved her to 32nd in the NCAA East, further increasing her chance of becoming the program's first four-time NCAA qualifier. Her mark improved her third best mark in program history.

"Happy to have a PR, but still hungry for more," said Tereska. "I am not satisfied yet!"

Noelani Sadler did not equal her school record time set last week at the Colonial Relays but the sophomore posted a time of 14.21 to slot third in the 100-meter hurdles.

Raygan Lust followed in Lea's footsteps and raced 55.84 in the 400-meter dash to place sixth. The rookie moved into eighth place all-time at Bucknell. It marks the fifth straight year a Bison runner moved into the top ten - a testament to Coach Alexander's recruiting efforts.

Madison Fowler slotted ninth in the hammer throw, hitting 48.93m (160-6) on her third attempt. She made the finals but unfortunately fouled on all three attempts. Despite the finish, Fowler enjoyed a successful season with two PRs on Saturday in the discus and shot put.

"Seeing the families, alums, classmates, professors, and so much support on a beautiful weekend was amazing," said Protzman. "The way our athletes showcased their abilities was so impressive. We had 15 PRs in the throws, and several people climb the top ten lists. I also want to shout out my nine seniors. The first group I recruited here at Bucknell that truly helped build the culture, and standard we set to achieve day in and day out."

Madeline Lehker sits fourth in the heptathlon with 2500 points. The senior notched third in the high jump for her best finish.

Head coach Kevin Donner provided a lengthy review of the weekend:

"It was a great weekend to be a Bison. The weather cooperated and we competed very well across the board in all event areas with numerous all time top ten marks, personal bests, season bests, and even a nation-best mark. Now we have to focus on maintenance and staying healthy. The teams seem to be jelling and we have some great meets coming up in the next two weeks with the ECAC-IC4As and the Penn Relays."

The Bison Outdoor Classic concludes tomorrow with the multi-events.