Feb. 26, 2017
By Sinhue Mendoza
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Notre Dame split squad competed downstate in Purdue’s Boiler Make-It Qualification meet Saturday. The “last chance” competition provided swimmers one final opportunity to qualify for this year’s NCAA Championships, and Catherine Mulquin, Katie Smith and Nikki Smith took full advantage.
STANDOUT SWIMS
Headed to Indyââ’¬¦
Senior Catherine Mulquin just about guaranteed herself a spot in the NCAA Championships in the 100 backstroke. Mulquin swam a school record 52.13 in the final of the 100 back, which ranks as the 27th-best time nationally in the event this season. She bested her previous school record of 52.69 set at the ACC Women’s Championships.
Notre Dame Record
Freshman Katie Smith’s time of 22.25 in the 50 freestyle set a Notre Dame record that had stood since 2010 when Amywren Miller swam 22.30. Smith’s time ranked 42nd in the nation and leaves her in a strong position to receive an invitation to the NCAAs. Final qualifiers will be announced Wednesday, March 1.
Flying the 100 Fly
Nicole Smith improved her 100 butterfly time to 52.59. The improved effort puts her in strong contention to be considered for nationals.
COACH LITZINGER’S THOUGHTS
On his swimmers’ effort at Purdueââ’¬¦
“I’m proud of these women and their efforts to compete and continue the momentum our team built throughout the ACC Championships.”
UP NEXT
The Notre Dame men will open the 2017 ACC Championships on Monday at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta. Irish fans can follow live results of the week’s action on both team Twitter accounts, @NDWSwimDive and @NDMensswimdive, with a complete recap posted to und.com at the conclusion of the meet.