HOT SPRINGS, S.D. – Black Hills State triathlon had an impressive start to their season, sweeping the podium at the Southern Hills Triathlon in Hot Springs, S.D. on Saturday.

The team competed in the Open Division Sprint Distance race and swept the podium (first, second and third place) and continued the streak by also placing fourth, fifth and sixth before a first non-collegiate racer (a male) finished in seventh place.

"We couldn't be a happier with how our ladies performed today and are looking forward to continuing to build on their early season success." said Coach Feist.

Leading the Yellow Jackets was Lilja McKendry, who won the race in a time of 1:02:37. She was second out of the water, right behind teammate Natalie Moose-Elkin, and they worked together on the bike portion of the race to separate themselves from the rest of the field.

Following the bike, McKendry pulled away on the 5K run, finishing ahead of team member Sydney Gasper who placed second (1:04:10).

Moose-Elkin placed third (1:04:19), Cassidy Teeslink finished fourth (1:04:30), Jadyn Johnson was the fifth finisher (1:05:26), and Madelynn Potter came in sixth at 1:09:12.

Lilly Brophy (1:10:59) and Sydney Campbell (1:12:57) rounded out the team's race by finishing in ninth and twelfth overall, respectively.

Up Next
The Yellow Jackets will host the Collegiate Cup Tri at the Belle Fourche Reservoir on Oct. 1 which will feature top DI and DII teams from throughout the country.