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
- Event Previews
- Live Stream: Wednesday/Thursday Prelims & Finals, Friday/Saturday Prelims / Friday/Saturday finals on ESPN3
- Live Results
USC‘s Anika Apostalon affirmed her status as the queen of the swim-off this morning, winning her 50 free duel against Cal‘s Amy Bilquist in 21.80. Bilquist was a personal best 21.94.
Back in 2014, Apostalon famously won three swim-offs at the NCAA Women’s DI Championships. Back then, she was competing for San Diego State University. On day one, she won swim-offs in the 200 free relay and the 50 free, and on day two, she won a swim-off for 16th in the 100 back. (You can see an interview after those races here.)
It’s worth noting that Apostalon’s 22.01 in 2014 got her a tie for 8th, and her 22.00 in 2017 tied her for 16th. This example is a true testament to the rapid development that the NCAA has seen in the sprint events over the past three years.
This morning’s swim-off 21.80 would have tied Apostalon for fifth in the prelims. She has the chance to challenge for ninth-place points tonight.