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Sanchez, who wore an intricate red gown during the latter
part of the three-hour nationally broadcast contest, addressed
the issue of sexual assault on college campuses during a
question-and-answer session faced by all six finalists.
Sanchez said she felt some colleges, fearing a bad reputation,
might sweep the problem under the rug, and that "More awareness
(of the issue) is very important so that women can learn to
protect themselves."
She added that as a 4th degree black belt, she learned "you need
to be confident and be able to defend yourself ... That's
something we need to start to implement for a lot of women."
The pageant, co-hosted by Giuliana Rancic of "E! News" and
MSNBC's morning news show "Way Too Early" host Thomas Roberts,
was broadcast live on NBC from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The first runner-up was Audra Mari, 20, from North Dakota. Other
finalists included contestants from Georgia, Louisiana and
Florida. Iowa's representative became a sixth finalist based on
fan voting on Twitter, but placed as the fifth runner-up.
The competition featured contestants from all 50 states and the
District of Columbia who were judged in three traditional beauty
pageant categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview.
Erin Brady, Miss USA 2013, crowned her successor, who will go on
to compete at the international Miss Universe competition.
(Reporting by Chris Michaud; Editing by Robert Birsel)
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