March 16, 2006

Results

ATHENS, GA. - Sophomore Jessica Witt and freshman Lauren Beaudreau ended day one of the NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships with new school records, but did not qualify for the evening finals.  Both will return to the Gabrielsen Natatorium Friday, March 17, to take part in day two of the championships.  Witt will compete in the 400 IM, while Beaudreau will take part in the 100 breast.  Morning prelims get underway at 11 a.m., with finals scheduled for 6 p.m.

Witt began the day by logging a 4:52.21 in the 500 free event.  The Fullerton, Calif., native, who came into the event seeded 52nd overall, finished tied for 40th by bettering her school record time of 4:52.41.

"Both of these girls are going to get better as the weekend moves along," head coach Matt Barany said.  "We saw them both do it in the A-10 Championships, along with the rest of the team."

Beaudreau came into the day ranked 43rd in the 200 IM with a prior season-best and school-record time of 2:02.04.  The Lafayette, Calif., native went on to smash her previous mark by almost two seconds with a 2:00.92.  Her time, which put her 17th after prelims, narrowly missed qualifying for the evening's consolation finals.

Both women recorded new Richmond Spider school records in their respective events.  Witt held the previous 500 free mark of 4:52.41, while Beaudreau was tops in the 200 IM with a 2:02.04.

"They both are very relaxed and having a lot of fun while learning," Barany said.  "We are now ready for tomorrow."

Witt and Beaudreau return to action Friday, March 17, at 11 a.m. for day two prelims.  Witt will swim the 400 IM, and Beaudreau will compete in the 100 breast.  Friday evening finals will get underway at 6 p.m.