Lay of the Land in Women’s NCAA Division I

Column by John Lohn, Swimming World senior writer

BASKING RIDGE, New Jersey, February 14. TWO weeks ago, this column took a look at some of the storylines we can expect at the NCAA Division I Men's Championships at the end of March. This week, it's time to look at a handful of the tales that will be highlighted at the NCAA Division I Women's Championships. The meet is scheduled for March 17-19 at the University of Texas.

**One of the most difficult things to do in sports is repeat as champion, what with the added pressure and the opposition gunning to knock the titlist off its pedestal. At this year's NCAA Champs, it will be Florida attempting to duplicate its championship run from a season ago.

While the Gators must deal with the graduation of Gemma Spofforth, the backstroke ace who played a critical role in Florida's crowning, coach Gregg Troy boasts arguably the premier freshman in the country in Olympian Elizabeth Beisel. The Pan Pacific champion in the 200 backstroke and 400 individual medley this summer, Beisel's presence should offset the loss of Spofforth as Beisel is a leading contender to prevail in at least two individual events.

Another storyline to follow with Florida is Teresa Crippen's embrace of the same incredibly difficult double she attempted last season. A product of Germantown Academy, one of the top scholastic programs in the country, Crippen will again tackle the 200 backstroke and 200 butterfly on the final day of competition, with minimal rest in between those two grueling events. Last season, Crippen was third in the 200 back and fifth in the 200 fly. That equated to a key 30 points.

**Based on the way she raced during the summer at Nationals and the Pan Pacific Championships, you have to like the positioning of Cal's Caitlin Leverenz in terms of making a major mark. Not only was Leverenz the bronze medalist in the 200 individual medley and 400 individual medley at Pan Pacs, she just put together an impressive finish to her dual-meet season.

As Cal put an end to Stanford's 33-meet winning streak over the weekend, Leverenz delivered victories in three events, claiming the 100 breaststroke (1:00.26), 200 breaststroke (2:09.45) and 200 IM (1:56.95). All three times were high quality for this point in the campaign and bode well for the Bears, who are seeking their second team crown in three years.

**If there is a team looking to avenge last year's finish, it's Stanford. The Cardinal placed second in 2010, just 2.5 points behind Florida. Stanford won the meet-ending 400 free relay, but with Florida placing third, it couldn't bump the Gators from the top slot. There's no doubt the Cardinal has the talent to get the job done this time around, thanks to a roster with experienced veterans like Kate Dwelley and Kelsey Ditto and youth such as freshman Felicia Lee.

Last year's final standings featured the top five teams separated by fewer than 40 points. Although closeness like that will be tough to replicate, this season appears to be another that will offer a jam-packed field. Count on Stanford being a player right through the final relay as it pursues its first NCAA title since 1998.

**As will be the case at NCAA Men's Champs the following week, Arizona will be looking to send coach Frank Busch out on a high note. Busch, of course, has accepted the position of National Team Director for USA Swimming and will be leaving the Arizona program after 20-plus years at the helm at the conclusion of the campaign.

**One of the best events to watch will be the 200 freestyle, in part because it could provide a duel between Georgia teammates Allison Schmitt and Morgan Scroggy. The possibility of the Bulldogs earning 37 points in this event is high and they have to be feeling good about their chances of earning a team title.

Also, follow me on Twitter for some thoughts about the swimming world. My Twitter account is @JohnLohn.

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