Buffalo Women Lead Mid-American Championships; Maier Throws Down 4:39 500 Free

Photo Courtesy: Mid-American Conference

The Mid-American Conference women’s swimming & diving championships kicked off Thursday from Ypsilanti, Michigan as the Buffalo Bulls have a slim four point lead over seven-time defending champs Akron.

Team Scores:

Buffalo, 239
Akron, 235
Miami, 148
Ohio, 114
Eastern Michigan, 104
Toledo, 85
Bowling Green, 85
Ball State, 82

The Bulls started the championships with a win in the 200 free relay as the team of Jillian Lawton (22.97), Toni Naccarella (21.61), Jenna Krull (22.52) and Ellie Duley (22.57) swam a 1:29.67 to Akron’s 1:29.86. Notably, this would have been right in the mix at NCAAs as the Bulls are ranked 22nd in Division I this season despite the NCAA championships having already taken place.

Naccarella and Lawton returned in the 50 free to go 1-2 with Naccarella coming out on top at 22.37 to Lawton’s 22.91 as the former already swam at NCAAs this season, placing 47th in Greensboro last month. Naccarella was a 22.5 earlier this season for her season best time.

Akron was another school that had a swimmer make NCAAs this year as Sarah Watson won the 200 IM at 1:56.42, which was faster than her season best. Watson made the B-Final in this event at NCAAs last month, placing 14th for the Zips as she won well ahead of Daisy Platts (1:59.13) of Bowling Green. The Zips closed the night with a win in the 400 medley relay at 3:34.85, which is the 26th fastest time in the nation this year. The team of Madelyn Gatrall (53.84), Paula Garcia (1:00.35), Watson (51.08) and Rachel Schiffli (49.58) won ahead of Buffalo (3:36.58) and Miami (3:41.25).

Miami’s Nicole Maier had perhaps the season of the day with a 4:39.96 in the 500 freestyle, which would have made the A-Final at NCAAs last month. Maier’s time puts her 16th nationally this season.

Eastern Michigan’s Bethany Berger won the 1m at 303.90 ahead of Buffalo’s Tori Franz (293.05).

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use