2018 WOMEN’S NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
- Wednesday, March 14th – Saturday, March 17th
- McCorkle Aquatic Pavillion — Columbus, OH
- Prelims 9AM/Finals 5PM (Eastern Time)
- Defending Champion: Stanford (results)
- Live stream: Wednesday/Thursday Prelims & Finals, Friday/Saturday Prelims / Friday/Saturday finals on ESPNU
- Championship Central
- Event-by-Event Previews
- Psych Sheet
- Live Results
Stanford University swept the relays this week at the 2018 Women’s NCAA Division I Championships, taking gold medals in the 200, 400, and 800 free relays and the 200 and 400 medley relays, with American records in the 200 free relay, the 400 free relay, the 200 medley relay, and the 400 medley relay.
This was the first time since 2008 that a women’s team has won all five relay events at an NCAA DI Championship, and only the third time in history. In 2005, a Georgia team featuring Kara Lynn Joyce, Mary DeScenza, and Amanda Weir won five relay events (and the overall championship). In 2008, an Arizona team featuring Lacey Nymeyer, Lara Jackson, and Annie Chandler also swept the relay events and the overall championship.
This week, Stanford overcame strong competitors Cal and Indiana to edge a win in the 800 free relay, set NCAA and American records in the 200 free relay, set NCAA and American records in the 400 medley relay, set NCAA and American records in the 200 medley relay, and win the 400 free relay by just .11.
Stanford‘s A relay roster (across all events) was: Janet Hu, Simone Manuel, Lauren Pitzer, Ally Howe, Katie Drabot, Ella Eastin, Brooke Forde, Katie Ledecky, and Kim Williams.
Stanford had a dominant performance capped by the sweep of all 5 relays. However, I liked that it wasn’t a foregone conclusion. Cal, Indiana, and Michigan fought hard.