LOMA, Colo. – The Gallaudet University women's triathlon team closed out a demanding four-week stretch of competition Sunday against one of its toughest fields of the season at the Desert's Edge Collegiate Cup at Highline Lake State Park.

The Bison were the only NCAA Division III program in the 10-team field and finished 10th with 66 team points. The field had 67 triathletes start and 60 finish as several Division I programs took the top spots in the final team standings. TCU took first place with 298 points, followed by the University of Arizona (285) and the University of San Francisco (221).

For Gallaudet head coach Brian Bennett, the trip west offered his student-athletes a chance to step outside their usual competition, adjust to racing at a higher altitude, and see firsthand the caliber of some of the nation's established collegiate triathlon programs.

First year Priya Frank (Colorado Springs, Colo.) led the Gallaudet quartet with a time of one hour, 38 minutes and 37 seconds (1:38:37). Frank posted a 14:40 swim, 46:37 bike and 33:41 run.

First year Mariska Dize (Port Richey, Fla.) followed in 1:44:43 with a 15:59 swim, 50:59 bike and 34:15 run. Sophomore Melissa Eicher (Indianapolis, Ind.) finished in 1:46:52 with splits of 21:19, 50:26 and 31:37, respectively.

Sophomore Marcella Shular (Colorado Springs, Colo.) finished in 1:49:01 and saved her best for the final leg, turning in Gallaudet's fastest run of the day at 28:32 after a 26:07 swim and 50:50 bike.

For Frank and Shular, the trip carried added significance. Both Colorado Springs natives, returned to their home state with family and friends there to watch them compete for Gallaudet. Bennett, also a Colorado native, shared in the homecoming.

"It was such a blessing to be able to compete in Colorado with the support of my friends and family," Frank said. "It was such a cool opportunity to be able to show all of my people back home the things I've been working at in D.C."

Shular had the opportunity not only to race at home but to introduce her teammates to a place that has shaped her.

"Racing in Colorado was more than a race for me; it was a chance to bring my team home, share a place that means so much to me, and have my family and friends there to support me," Shular said.

The Bison also used their time in Colorado to connect with the local Deaf community. The team visited the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and Rocky Mountain Deaf School, where Gallaudet student-athletes met with students and shared their experiences along with information about the University's triathlon and swimming programs.

The visits provided an opportunity for younger Deaf and hard of hearing students to meet collegiate student-athletes and learn more about continuing both their education and athletic careers at Gallaudet.

On the course, Desert's Edge gave the Bison the test they came to Colorado seeking. Racing as the lone Division III program in the field and adjusting to altitude provided another level of experience as Gallaudet now turns its attention toward the championship portion of the season.

UP NEXT
Gallaudet returns to action Saturday, Oct. 17, at the East Regional Championship at Lake Lanier in Buford, Ga. The race is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.