Cavalier Swimmers Fare Well on Day One of U.S. Open

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. Members of the Virginia swimming team who are competing at the 2008 United States Open fared well on the first day of the event Tuesday, placing three swimmers in event finals. The event, which runs through Saturday, is being held at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center in Minneapolis.

Ellie Freeman led the way on day one, finishing sixth in the final of the 200 breast with a time of 2:32.67. Her mark of 2:32.04 was the fourth-fastest during the prelims. Teammate Katherine McDonnell finished 21st overall (2:34.97) in the event.

Ryan Hurley also earned a sixth-place finish, clocking a time of 2:15.44 in the 200 breast. Hurley improved on his prelim time of 2:16.06.

Pat Reams reached the finals of the 200 fly, finishing eighth with a mark of 2:00.73. Lee Roberston also swam the event, placing 12th with a time of 2:02.16.

In other events Tuesday, Liz Shaw earned a 13th-place finish in the 200 fly (2:15.07) while Claire Crippen placed 37th (2:20.19). In the women’s 800 free, Jen Narum led a trio of Cavalier swimmers with a 17th-place finish, clocking in at 8:52.06. Leslie Swinley (9:03.44) and Claire Galdun (9:13.32) placed 26th and 29th, respectively. Taylor Smith also finished 18th in the men’s 1500 free with a time of 15:50.87.

The U.S. Open is serving as the selection meet for the 2009 World University Games, to be held from July 2-7, 2009, in Belgrade, Serbia. The highest placing athlete in each event who will be enrolled as a full-time university student through Jan. 1, 2009 will to be invited to the World University Games Team.

The meet continues Wednesday with prelims beginning at 9 a.m., and finals beginning at 6 p.m. The men’s and women’s 400 IM, 100 freestyle, 200 backstroke and 400 free relay will be contested. For complete results and highlights, visit www.usaswimming.org.