Botterbusch Third in 100 Breast at NCAA Championships
Botterbusch is an 11-time all-American
Blazak also earns all-America honors in event
3/20/2009 2:07:03 PM
Minneapolis, Minn.--Senior Lauren Botterbusch (Dallastown/York, Pa.) finished third in the nation in the 100-yard breaststroke Friday at the NCAA Division III Women's Swimming & Diving Championships with a time of 1:03.87 in the championship finals, earning first-team all-America honors. Sophomore Becca Blazak (Quaker Valley/Sewickley, Pa.) earned all-America honors by finishing 12th overall in 1:05.23.
Botterbusch swam 1:03.83 and placed sixth in the preliminary heat and improved three places in the event finals. It is the highest individual finish for a Bomber at the national championship meet since 2003 when Meghan Hughes was third in the 200-yard freestyle.
Freshmen Missy Keesler (Union-Endicott/Endicott) and Amanda Vitullo (Schalmont/Schenectady) swam in the 100-yard backstroke in Friday's preliminary heats. Keesler placed 37th (59.42) and Vitullo was 42nd (1:01.45).
The championship meet concludes Saturday. A total of six Bombers have qualified in individual and relay events. Thus far, Ithaca has earned all-America status in two relay events and Friday's individual performances by Botterbusch and Blazak. Live results and a live video webcast are available through the official championship meet site.