2017 W. NCAAs: Stevens, Moore Throw Down 15:52 in Afternoon Mile Heats

2017 WOMEN’S NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Wednesday, March 15 – Saturday, March 18
• IUPUI Natatorium – Indianapolis, IN
• Prelims 10AM/Finals 6PM (Eastern Time)
• Defending Champion: Georgia (results)
• Championship Central
• Psych Sheet
• Live stream: Wednesday/Thursday Prelims & Finals, Friday/Saturday Prelims / Friday/Saturday finals on ESPN3
• Event Previews
• Saturday Prelims Heat Sheet
• Live Results

The first 5 heats of the 1650 free ath the 2017 Women’s NCAA Championships are now complete, with the 6th and final heat to swim at the beginning of day 4 finals. Because this is a timed final event, swimmers don’t have to be swimming with finals in order to earn a top 8 finish. That means we may see some of our swimmers from this afternoon’s heats earn a spot on the podium tonight.

Based on seed times, it was projected to take a 15:56.95 to place in the top 8, but it’ll likely be faster than that based on this afternoon’s results. Stanford’s Leah Stevens (15:52.36) and NC State’s Hannah Moore (15:52.75) led the way with a pair of 15:52s. Also under the projected top 8 mark were Texas’ Joanna Evans (15:54.46) and Northwestern’s Valerie Gruest-Slowing (15:55.01).

Penn State’s Allyson McHugh dropped down to a 15:58.92, while Arizona’s Tjasa Oder rounded out the sub-16:00s in 15:59.23.

Tonight’s final heat will include American Record holder Katie Ledecky and Olympic distance teammate Leah Smith (Virginia).

Still to swim with the championship final heat:

• Katie Ledecky (Stanford)
• Leah Smith (Virginia)
• G Ryan (Michigan)
• Megan Byrnes (Stanford)
• Rose Bi (Michigan)
• Becca Mann (USC)
• Danielle Valley (Wisconsin)
• Ashley Neidigh (Auburn)

Editor’s Note: Auburn’s Ashley Neidigh is the sister of author Lauren Neidigh