LA CROSSE, Wisc. - Wellesley senior Cristina Lucas closed out the 2013 Outdoor Track and Field season for the Blue with a 16th place finish at the 2013 NCAA National Championships.

Lucas raced in the 1,500-meter preliminaries, recording a time of 4:39.98 to close out her collegiate career ranked 16th in the nation. She was making her first NCAA appearance.

The national meet capped a fantastic spring for Lucas that saw her record four personal best times in the 1,500m. She medaled twice at the ECAC Championships, in the 1,500m and as the anchor for the 4 x 800m relay. Lucas also recorded All-Region honors during the indoor season.

The 1,500m event at nationals closed out the 2013 season for the Blue and also marked the final race coached by Wellesley cross country and track and field head coach, John Babington*. Babington announced his retirement earlier this spring after 26 years with the College.

The 2013 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships are being hosted by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.