NCAA Division I Women’s Champs: Southern California’s Rebecca Soni Grabs Breaststroke Brace

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 22. SOUTHERN California's Rebecca Soni nearly clipped her NCAA record in the 200 breast when she captured the title to sweep the stroke at the NCAA Division I Women's Championships.

Soni, who was under American-record pace through 150-yards, settled for the third-fastest time ever with a 2:06.32 – just the third under 2:07. Soni previously set the NCAA record with the second-quickest time ever when she hit the wall in 2:06.11 at the Pac 10 Championships.

The victory also tied Soni with a trio of legendary breaststrokers for three career 200 breast titles as Soni won in 2006 (2:09.37) and 2007 (2:08.23). Previously, Tara Kirk of Stanford, the American-record holder, won from 2002-04, while Georgia's Kristy Kowal won three times from 1998-2000. Additionally, Kristine Quance of Southern California touched first in 1994, 1996 and 1997.

The win also inched the Women of Troy to within one 200 breast win of NCAA-record holder Stanford as the Cardinal own a lead with seven titles against USC's six.

Stanford's Elizabeth Smith, who is the 10th-fastest ever in the event, improved upon her time with a 2:08.73 for second place, while Texas A&M's Alia Atkinson placed third in 2:09.48.

Arizona increased its lead to 142 points with 444 points, while Auburn remained second with 302 points. Texas A&M (283), Stanford (265) and Florida (252.5) rounded out the top five.

Event Results

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use