Augustana's Greenwaldt claims National Championship
The back-to-back national runner-up in the 50 free had it rolling early when she smashed an NCAA DII record by posting the first ever sub-22 second time, finishing in 21.92 to earn the top prelim time. In the final, she made the turn at 10.67 and fended off the reigning national champion from UIndy by .15 seconds, finishing in a time of 22.09.
What an amazing day at the pool,' said head coach Andrew Makepeace. 'Capping off the evening with Bryn bringing home the first national championship in program history was extremely special. She may not have broken the record she said in the prelims, but winning and getting your hand on the wall first can be more important sometimes.'
Her day did not finish there, though. In the final women's event of the night, Augustana earned First Team All-America honors in the 200 medley relay with a fifth place finish and program record time of 1:39.82.
The Vikings held a lead in the first 50 and steadily maneuvered through to keep a top-five position. Greenwaldt led off and was joined by Nesrine Jelliti, Angelina Chan and Makoa Montgomery. It is the second consecutive season that the core four finished fifth in the national championships.
'Breaking a school record in the most competitive event with two teams going under the national record was impressive,' said Makepeace. 'All four ladies, Bryn, Nesrine, Angelina and Makoa were up to the challenge and got after to meet the right way.'
In the 1M Dive, Avery Lommel earned the top spot in the consolation final with 415.75 points to earn ninth place and Second Team All-America honors. Lommel was joined in the event by Kate Robbins, who narrowly missed out on the final round with 359.20 points in prelims.
'We're proud of our divers and their efforts from today and for what's to come in the 3m. They look really sharp right now and think that they'll have a really great performance on Friday.'Jelliti also participated in the 50 free prelims on Wednesday morning, placing 47th with a time of 23.74. She entered the meet with the 53rd ranking but was able to finish six spots higher.Augustana, ranked 19th nationally by the CSCAA, is in 10th place through six events with 57 points.The remainder of Augustana's schedule at the NCAA Championships is below.ThursdayMen's 3-Meter Dive – David Binsfeld400 Medley Relay (Finals only)Friday100 Back – Bryn Greenwaldt100 Breast – Nesrine JellitiWomen's 3-Meter Dive – Avery Lommel, Kate Robbins200 Free Relay (Finals only)Saturday100 Free – Bryn Greenwaldt200 Breast – Nesrine JellitiMen's 1-Meter Dive – David Binsfeld400 Free Relay (Finals only)
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