Louisville, KY, November 21, 2014 – The first session of the 2014 Louisville Cardinal Invitational took place at Ralph Wright Natatorium, with prelims wrapping up for host, University of Louisville, and the visiting teams of University of Connecticut, Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University, and Western Kentucky University.
In the 500y freestyle event, the top seeds after prelims from both the men’s and women’s side come from the Louisville Cardinals, with Andrea Kneppers earning the top spot in 4:45.40 (NCAA “B” cut) and Trevor Carroll with the prelims win for the men in 4:24.25 (also an NCAA “B” cut). Louisville star, Tanja Kylliainen is lurking in sixth place on the women’s side in 4:50.38; look for her to move up substantially in the finals.
The 200y IM was won in prelims by Western Kentucky Hilltopper Nadine Laemmler in 1:59.38, an NCAA “B” cut. Two other women, Louisville’s Erica Belcher and Western Kentucky’s Allie Duff also cleared the “B” mark. Only one man, Paul Le (Missouri State) cleared the “B” time in the 200y IM with his prelims win of 1:48.76.
Chinyere Pigot from Connecticut led the way in the women’s 50y free with her “B” cut of 22.80, followed by already-had-her-”B” cut Kelsi Worrell (today in 22.92). Thomas Dahlia led the men’s 50y freestyle in his time of 20.21, just shy of the “B” standard of 20.19. Usual splash-and-dasher Cardinal, Caryle Blondell was scheduled to swim this event, but was interestingly listed as “NS”.
Competition continues with the finals beginning at 6pm Eastern.
Meet Results Available Here