University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Atlantic 10 Championship
More A-10 Records Fall As Spiders Lengthen Lead At Swimming Championship
02/21/2009 | Women's Swimming & Diving
Feb. 20, 2009
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The women's 400 medley relay crushed the Atlantic 10 Championship record by four seconds Friday night, while Lauren Beaudreau, Alex Helland and Katie Sieben each won individual events to lead Richmond to commanding lead heading into the final day of the A-10 Championship in Buffalo, N.Y.
The Spiders have 503 points to their credit and enjoy a 129.5-point cushion over second-place Fordham (373.5 points) through three days. Massachusetts (301) is third, followed by Duquesne (277.5) and La Salle (269.5) in the top five.
Junior Alex Helland and the Spiders' 400 medley relay were each the highlights of the night, as Helland broke a four-year-old championship record in the 100 back with her winning time of 54.65 that also stands as an NCAA B-cut.
"Alex continues to get better," said head coach Matt Barany. "Her confidence in her backstroke right now is impressive."
The previous mark of 56.33 was set by Fordham's Erika Newell in 2005.
Richmond's depth was on display in this event as sophomore Beth Ann Platt was sixth (57.64) and sophomore Elizabeth Hailand was seventh (58.17). The Spiders racked up 62 points in the 100 back.
Beaudreau spearheaded another big event for Richmond - the 100 breast - which saw three Spiders finish in the top five. Beaudreau reached an NCAA B-cut with her winning time of 1:02.30, with fellow senior Cara Smaniotto taking fourth (1:03.87) and freshman Mary Anne Lerro finishing fifth (1:04.92).
Achieving another B-cut was Sieben, who cruised to victory in the 100 fly (54.06).
Although not placing a swimmer in the top-five of the 200 free, 49 more points came Richmond's way as the Spiders accounted for seven of the final 11 spots, led by sophomore Natalie Lewis in sixth (1:52.68) and freshman Michelle Johnson in seventh (1:52.78).
In the consolation final of the 200 free, freshman Hannah Marlow was 10th (1:52.81), sophomore Chrissy Brodt was 13th (1:53.72), freshman Liz Cohan was 14th (1:54.06) and freshman Alexi Kuska was 16th (1:54.96).
Richmond finished the evening strong thanks to a dazzling performance by the 400 medley relay, which shattered the A-10 Championship record by six seconds and eclipsing a school record by five seconds..
The relay of Helland, Beaudreau, Sieben and Brackett posted an NCAA B-cut time of 3:40.34, besting second-place Fordham by 5.8 seconds (3:46.14). The previous A-10 record of 3:46.54 was set last season by the Spiders.
"Wow that relay was fun," said Barany. "The women had the attitude to attack every leg and they did. They cruised past the record and it was wild."
Should Richmond retain its lead after tomorrow's final night of action, the Spiders will clinch their eighth-consecutive A-10 Swimming & Diving title to extend a conference record in the sport.
