There was a lot of hype over how fast Katie Ledecky<\/strong> could go in the 1650 Saturday night. After her stellar 4:24 in the 500 on Thursday night, there was talk Ledecky could break 15 minutes, there were even rumors she could qualify for the men’s NCAA’s with a 14:56. After gunning the first 500 at 4:32, a time that would have placed third in the 500, Ledecky fell off the pace over the back half and slipped to a 15:07.70, still the second fastest 1650 in history.<\/p>\n

Leah Smith<\/strong> of Virginia was the only swimmer to not get lapped by Ledecky in the race as she finished second at 15:28.89. Stanford picked up some huge points in that even with freshman Megan Byrnes<\/strong> placing third at 15:50.87 and sophomore Leah Stevens<\/strong> was fourth from the earlier heats at 15:52.36. NC State’s Hannah Moore<\/strong>, Wisconsin’s Danielle Valley<\/strong>, Texas’ Joanna Evans<\/strong> and Auburn’s Ashley Neidigh<\/strong> finished in the top eight.<\/p>\n