SWEET HOME, Ore.--- The Kinsey Laine era at Cal Poly Humboldt began with a bang, as the Lumberjacks placed three athletes in the top 15 to highlight a strong day of action at the Best in the West Triathlon Festival on Sunday morning.

"I want to thank Brett Franz, the head triathlon coach at Willamette University, for inviting us to compete against them at the Best in the West Sprint Triathlon," head coach Kinsey Laine said. "The competition and venue were perfect for our debut race."

Individually, Farrah Tyler paced the Jacks with a fourth place finish in a total time of 1:13:12. She was followed by Elizabeth Odell in ninth place (1:18:25) and Emilie Cates in 12th (1:20:02). Mariska Kessler (31st, 1:31:17) and Megan Franco (60th, 1:48:03) rounded out the team scoring for the Jacks.

As a team, the Jacks recorded another historic first: their first ever victory over collegiate competition. Humboldt's combined team score was enough to edge out fellow west coast program Willamette University by two points, 23-21. 

Laine said she was proud of the way her team competed and performed, despite having less preparation time than most other programs. 

"In their short time together, this team has shown their ability to adapt and overcome whatever obstacle is in front of them," the coach said. "These student athletes are making history and forging a new path. That isn't an easy task. I'm grateful for the courage and camaraderie they showed in their racing and over the past few weeks as we begin to build this program. We're just getting started!"

UP NEXT: The Lumberjacks will look to regroup and recover this next week before traveling to Longmont, Colo. to compete in the Oktoberfest Sprint Triathlon on Saturday, Sept. 24.