Laura Sogar, of Texas, and Arizona’s Kevin Cordes turned in very fast 200 breaststrokes Saturday morning at AT&T Short Course Nationals. Both of their morning times were within six tenths of the American record in their respective events. Cordes, who broke the American record in the 100 breast Friday night, was .19 away from Brendan Hansen‘s mark of 1:51.74, set in 2006. Sogar, with a 2:05.04, was a little further off but still very close to the 2:04.48 Breeja Larson posted a couple weeks ago. Throw Caitlin Leverenz into the mix and this could be one of the most exciting races at 2013 NCAAs.
Missy Franklin had good swims in the morning session, and enters the night as top seed in the 200 back after posting a 1:52.29. Her 47.95 in the 100 free puts her just behind Margo Geer, from Arizona.
Jasmine Tosky leads the way in the 200 fly after swimming a 1:53.98 that puts her nearly four seconds ahead of Kim Vandenberg, who had the next fastest time of 1:57.64. The men’s event was much closer, with Tom Shields getting the middle lane in finals with a 1:45.07. The next four finishers also went 1:45s Saturday morning.
The men’s 100 free should be a good race Saturday night, with the top 3 finishers separated by only .06. Giles Smith of Arizona’s 42.86 was good for first, Matt Grevers sits in second with a 42.90, and Ricky Berens was third with 42.92. Each of these swimmers has had some very good swims here. In the 200 backstroke, Ryan Lochte’s 1:40.69 got the top spot.