Following the first session of the women’s ACC championships in Greensboro, N.C., Swimming World spoke to several of the standout performers from the 200 medley relay and 800 free relay.
Leah Smith led off Virginia’s victorious 800 free relay with a personal-best time of 1:43.15. That time ranks tops in the country this season. After the race, Smith shared her thoughts on the race and explained why she thinks she could have swum even faster. She explained where the Cavaliers are in their training cycle and how much they think about their team winning streak at ACCs.
Jen Marrkand anchored that Virginia squad to victory, splitting l:45.56 to finish in 6:59.98. Marrkand had to hold off strong charges from NC State and Louisville at the end, and afterwards she explained the pressure she felt anchoring a tight relay in her first swim at the ACC Championships.
Mallory Comerford swam two big anchor legs, bringing home the Louisville Cardinals to a victory in the 200 medley relay and a third-place finish in the 800 free. After the session, the freshman discussed explained the pressure she felt stepping into the anchor spot of a medley relay that finished second in the country last season and explained what she’s hoping to accomplish the remainder of the meet.
Congratulations Leah and the Hoos!