For the second year in a row, the Central College women’s triathlon team earned its way to the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships, finishing third at the West Regional Qualifier Saturday.

North Central College (Ill.) was the team champion with 99 points. The Dutch totaled 60 points. Hailey Poe of North Central was the individual winner in 1:08.06

“Overall it was a great day,” coach Jennie Hedrick-Rozenberg said. “The weather was fantastic and it was the first time it was legal for us to wear our wetsuits in the rac.e”

Lindsey Blommers (senior, Pella) was Central’s top finisher again, taking ninth in 1 hour, 17.21 minutes. Grace Benson (freshman, Newton) was right behind her in 10th in 1:18.45.

Jessica Carithers (senior, Mackinaw, Ill., Deer Creek-Mackinaw HS) was 16th in 1:21.42, Thea Lunning (senior, Mason City) was 21st in 1:23.58 and Luci Laidlaw (freshman, Pella) was 23rd in 1:24.48

“Everyone had a personal record in the swim,” Hedrick-Rozenberg said. “Luci and Jessica had exceptional swims. The hills on the bike we’re a little harder than we thought they would be so they had to push it hard every lap. Everybody had solid runs. Jessica was able to stay in front of athletes who she is normally behind.”

The third-place finish clinches the Dutch a trip to the national meet on November 12 in Tempe, Ariz. The Dutch finished sixth last year at the meet.

“We’re looking forward to nationals,” Hedrick-Rozenberg said. “It’s going to be hotter in Arizona but we’ll get ready for that course over the next three weeks.”