Nelson Finishes 11th at 2022 NCAA Division II Women's Outdoor Track & Field National Championship Meet

ALLENDALE, MI - Claflin senior Zaria Nelson completed her collegiate career on a high note with a terrific performance at the 2022 NCAA Division II Women's Outdoor Track & Field National Championship Meet. Competing against the best throwers in the nation, Nelson placed 11^th at the meet. The performance was especially impressive as she entered the meet as the 20^th ranked performer. 

Nelson competed in the first flight of competition and she recorded a best throw of 148' 2" (45.17m) at the meet. The throw was her second best of the season and over 10 feet better than the 135' 10" (41.40m)  that placed her second at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Her best throw of the season came at the GS Spring Classic hosted by Georgia Southern University.

The distance that Nelson threw placed her far ahead of her predicted seeding as she entered the championship meet as the 20^th best among the selected competitors. In the end, she finished nine spots ahead of her seeded placement. 

Nelson became the third Claflin student-athlete to compete nationally in the post season. Lady Panther freshman Zoe Adams competed in the 2022 NCAA Division II Women's Indoor Track & Field National Championship Meet while the Claflin Lady Panthers softball team reached the finals of the 2022 NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional 2 Tournament. 

For more information on Claflin University track & field, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.