After many outstanding seasons this fall, the Penn State Nittany Lion women’s athletic teams established themselves yesterday as the leading Division I university of the Capital One Cup Challenge.

The Nittany Lions have 77 points thus far in the 2012-2013 year, placing them scarcely in the lead, just edging out the University of Oregon (76 points) for the current #1 spot.

The University of  North Carolina rests in third with 72 points.

The Capital One Cup is awarded annually to the Division I school that places highest after combining all NCAA Championship finishes in addition to taking into consideration the official coaches’ poll.

In addition to winning the Cup, the top school will also receive a combined $400,000 in student-athlete scholarships. Due to the fact that the men’s and women’s programs are dealt with separately, the entire monetary prize would be contributed towards female athletic scholarships. Capital One states that the silver trophy is meant to “embody hard work, dedication, and enduring commitment” by reflecting the images of all who carry it. The trophy is presented to the winning school at the ESPY awards in July.

With the runnings so close at this point, it’s hard to say which school will end their athletic year victoriously. Penn State students, come out and support the Nittany Lions this spring in their quest for success!