FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The inaugural UIndy women's triathlon team won its first-ever competition on Saturday morning, defeating in-state Trine University in a dual meet at the Fox Island Triathlon #2.
 
Lex Wilhelm (seventh overall) and Gabrielle Harrell (13th), both veterans of the UIndy cross country program, finished atop the standings for the Greyhounds, while Lillian Sunbury also placed in the top 25.
 

VICTORY!!! ???????????????@UIndyTriathlon wins its first-ever competition, defeating Trine in a dual meet! pic.twitter.com/L8b56w0FfG

— UIndy Athletics (@UIndyAthletics) August 31, 2024

In total, 95 competitors lined up on Saturday, with Wilhelm finishing first among all women. UIndy and Trine were the lone collegiate programs, as the remaining 80 athletes competed unattached.

"I told the team last night to just be who they are and race without expectations or pressure and just let things flow," said Head Coach Doug Robinson. "I'm very proud of what they accomplished today by giving UIndy their first program win for women's triathlon as we launch into our first-ever season."
 
Wilhelm and Harrell finished the first leg of the race – the 750-meter swim – in the middle of the pack, before sprinting by the competition in the 20k bike and 5k run, recording the top times on the team in the final two portions. Wilhelm clocked her first triathlon meet in just over an hour at 1:02.50; Harrell followed less than three minutes later.
 
As the only transfer on the team with collegiate triathlon experience, Ainsleigh Cardone provided leadership and stability with her 27th-place overall finish – fourth among Hounds. Her 7:10 split in the swim was second on the team behind Hanna Burke, just 16 seconds behind the UIndy swimming student-athlete.
 
Katie Dolen (54th) and Miah Sosenheimer (57th) finished within 90 seconds of each other, while Sydney Rhodehamel also snuck inside the top 60 in just under an hour-and-a-half.

"Our energy was high before and after the race, which is an amazing accomplishment in itself," said Dolen. "I'm so proud of us all and I think we really showed everyone that although we're a brand new team, we are committed to making this a great first season."
 
Freshman Jazmin-Maria Cardona, the second-youngest competitor on Saturday at 18 years old, competed in her first triathlon competition after previously being a single-sport athlete as a swimmer.

"The race was so fun," said Harrell. "Because it was our first race, the goal was just to go out there and see what we could do. I'm so proud of these girls and so blessed to be a part of it!"

Sossenheimer added: "Triathlons never fail to humble me."

The UIndy women's triathlon program was announced less than four months ago after receiving a grant from USA Triathlon. Just three weeks later, Robinson was named the program's inaugural head coach as an experienced (and local) coach and trainer in the triathlon community.

UP NEXT
UIndy is set to host the Greyhound Endurance Festival next Saturday on campus in Super Sprint format. The swimming leg will take place in Ruth Lilly Fitness Center, with a race map located here noting the respective bike and run laps. The first heat is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.