In their first appearance at the event, the Lions made an impact at the National Junior Division Debate Tournament, hosted on the Johnson County Community College campus in Overland Park, Kan. March 15-17.

The Lindenwood duo of Nicole Nave and Tatyana Wingo compiled a record of 5-2 in the preliminary rounds, defeating teams from Kansas and Texas along the way. That was good enough to advance to the elimination stage as the number seven seed, but they lost a close debate to the University of Kansas in the quarterfinals on a 2-1 decision.

The Lindenwood Novice pair of Carlo Barth and Charles De Leon reached the quarterfinals as well, but was eliminated by Augustana College (Minn.) on a 3-0 decision.

Head coach Dr. Robert Burns noted how impressive the showing was for Lindenwood.

"To reach the elimination rounds and defeat much larger programs was a huge accomplishment for our second year program," he said.

The National Junior Division Debate Tournament serves as the national championship event for freshman and sophomore debaters in the discipline.

Lindenwood returns to action at the CEDA-NDT National Championship this weekend. The event is hosted by Indiana University March 21-24 in Bloomington, Ind.