Lane 9 News Archive: Pac-10 Championships: Arizona Holds Lead After Day Three

Pac-10 Championships: Arizona Holds Lead After Day Three -- February 29, 2008

LONG BEACH, California, February 29. WASHINGTON freshman Ariana Kukors won the 400-yard individual medley, highlighting the third night of the Pacific-10 Conference women's swimming championships at Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool with her second title of the meet.

Kukors finished in a time of 4 minutes, 5.29 seconds, besting her nearest rival sophomore Julia Smith of Stanford by nearly three seconds.

Another freshman, Liz Smith of Stanford, took third place (4:09.70).

On Thursday, Kukors claimed the 200-yard individual medley and is one of only three swimmers in Washington history to win an individual conference title.

"Just getting some wins and Pac-10 titles, things are happening for our program," Kukors said.

A member of the U.S. National Team, Kukors said that her showing bodes well for upcoming competitions, including the U.S Swimming Trials in July for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

"I'm just trying to get some good races under my belt," she said. "I'm definitely in the right direction going for the NCAA and Olympic trials this summer."

Also looking strong was California, as Lauren Rogers won the 100-yard backstroke in 51.80.

"It was a good solid swim for her, defending her [Pac-10] title [from last year]," Cal Coach Teri McKeever said.

Rogers held off a pair of Arizona swimmers, junior Hailey DeGolia (52.72) and redshirt sophomore Justine Schluntz (52.85), to do so.

Another Golden Bear, junior Dana Vollmer, won the 100-yard butterfly (51.87) and is looking to repeat as NCAA champion in the event.

Senior Caitlin Andrew of Arizona State finished second in a time of 51.68, while Stanford's Elaine Breeden took third (51.75).

Kate Dwelley of Stanford won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:45.09, while USC junior Rebecca Soni was victorious in the 100-yard breaststroke (58.98).

Arizona claimed the lone relay of the night, as Hailey DeGolia, Annie Chandler, Ana Agy and Lacey Nymeyer won the 400-yard medley in a time of 3:33.46.

"It was really a rallying effort," Arizona Coach Frank Busch said. "It was awesome for them to do what they did."

The Wildcats maintained their lead in the team rankings. Stanford is second, heading into the final night of competition trailing by 63 points.

"I like what I'm seeing," Busch said.

Special thanks to Pac-10 for contributing this report.

Results: Pac-10 Championships

Reaction Time Login Submit Your Comments to This Story (Free) Don't have a Reaction Time Account? Click here and setup your free account now!
Screen Name:
Password: