GREENCASTLE, IND 3/13/2010 – Keene State College junior Allison Chamberlain came up just short in her bid to earn a national championship in the 800-meter race at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana on Saturday.

Looking to become the school's 11th national champion, the junior from Scarborough, Maine was caught at the finish line by Emily Schudrowitz, a sophomore from St. Norbert (Wis.) College, who won the race with a Division III season best and Hollensteiner track record time of 2:09. 21. 

Chamberlain, who had set the track record (2:10.81) during her preliminary race on Friday night, finished with a time of 2:09.38.  "I'm a little disappointed, but, I did what I needed to do. I can't control how other runners perform," said Chamberlain. "She just had a better race.  These things happen."  

Using the same successful strategy she had employed all season, Chamberlain bolted out to an early lead.  Setting a quick pace, Chamberlain was a couple of seconds ahead at of her anticipated time at the midway point of the race.

However, the faster pace took its toll on Chamberlain in the final lap. "I didn't' have much left, so I just tried to hang on and maintain my form," she said.  

Schudrowitz, who set a PR, accelerated down the back stretch and finally caught Chamberlain at the wire.  "I had no idea, she was that close," said Chamberlain.  "When I finally saw her on my shoulder, there wasn't anything I could do"

Keene State's only two competitors at the NCAA Championship, Bryan Kolacz, a junior from Brentwood, N.H. and Chamberlain, return to Keene as All-Americas.  Kolacz finished sixth the 35-lb weight throw event on Friday night. 

The two All-Americas awards mark a milestone for the Keene State track program that has produced 101 All-America honors.