March 7, 2011

New Orleans, La. - Senior Lucy Van Dalen (Wanganui, New Zealand) has been named the Northeast Region Women's Track Athlete of the Year, the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced on Monday.

Van Dalen, the America East Conference Track Performer of the Year, has run the fastest 3000 and mile this season. She recorded an 8:56.77 in the 3000 at Boston University's Valentine Invitational, breaking the school record by more than 18 seconds. This past weekend, she ran the mile in 4:32.95 at the Armory, setting a new school record.

She will be one of the favorites in the 3000 during Saturday's NCAA Championships, with the race scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m local time.

An All-American in cross country, Van Dalen also was a part of the Seawolves' recording-breaking distance medley relay squad.