University of Minnesota Athletics
Blog: Gophers at NCAA Friday Prelims
3/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
Day two of the 2015 NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships opened with preliminary heats of the 200 medley relay, 400 IM, 100 fly, 200 free, 100 breast, 100 back and 800 free relay.
The 200 medley relay team of Tori Simenec, Kierra Smith, Danielle Nack and Becca Weiland combined for 1:38.62 for 26th place.
Freshman Brooke Zeiger has secured her first All-America Honors after finishing the 400 IM prelims with a 4:04.57. She will be seeded third in tonight's 400 IM Championship final The rookie is the Minnesota school record holder in the event, as well as the 2015 Big Ten Champion (4:03.28).
Three Golden Gophers competed in the 100 fly prelims. Senior Becca Weiland led the way with a 52.40, which tied Wisconsin's Ivy Martin for 22nd place. Tori Simenec placed 33rd with a 52.87, while freshman Danielle Nack finished 47th with a 53.53.
Senior Jessica Plant finished 21st in the 200 freestyle prelims with a time of 1:45.61. Lauren Votava had a 1:46.96 for 41st place.
Kierra Smith posted a 59.00 in the 100 breast prelims for a new personal record. The junior will be seeded sixth heading into tonight's Championship final. Smith finished 19th in the 100 breast last year.
The top-two heats of the 800 free relay will compete during tonight's finals. Minnesota is seeded tenth in the event.
Katy Etterman, Lexi Tenenbaum and Yu Zhou competed in three-meter diving prelims. Zhou placed seventh with 348.15 points to head to the Championship finals. Zhou is the 2015 Big Ten Champion in this event. Senior Etterman placed 45th with a total of 263.75, while Tenenbaum finished with a score of 229.40 for 49th place.
Friday night finals will begin at 6 p.m. CT at the Greensboro Aquatic Center.
Players Mentioned
