(MSU Billings release)
TEMPE, Ariz. – The Montana State University Billings triathlon team wrapped up its fall schedule Saturday afternoon after competing in the NCAA Championships, hosted by Arizona State University at Putan Canyon Recreation Area. Madisan Chavez finished all three legs of the race in 1 hour, 17 minutes, 47 seconds to claim 21st place among Division II entries. Madalyn Terwilliger finished just outside of qualifying time for the run, but completed bike loop 2 in 1 hour, 9 minutes, 5 seconds. Both were competing in the championships for the first time and raced their fifth and final triathlon of the fall schedule.
“I was extremely pleased with how the ladies competed today,” said MSUB head triathlon coach Kevin Bjerke. “They both swam and biked very well. Madisan got into a decent small draft group on the bike so finally got her first taste of some drafting. She ended up dropping the whole group and really pushed hard, and I think that zapped her for her run a little bit. But that was the point today, to put it all out there and both girls did just that. Unfortunately right towards the end of the bike, Madeline got caught by the lead group of bikers, so was one of about seven or eight women who got lapped out. I am definitely proud of what she has been able to accomplish this year though. Despite not having her best run, Madison really had a great overall race. I am so proud of her finishing in the top half of the field and finishing out her season on a high note.”
Arizona State University placed first among Division I scoring teams with eight points. Queens University of Charlotte took first among Division II entries with 12 points. Individually, Natalia Hidalgo Martinez posted a winning Division II time of 1:06.30. 37 participants completed all three legs in the Division II category. MSU Billings did not score as a team due to a small number of team members.
The Yellowjackets fall triathlon schedule makes up the primary season in the sport. MSUB is off until April 12, 2020, when they are scheduled to race in the Hits Triathlon Series in Napa Valley, California.
