Miami Enjoys Home-Opener with ACC Foe Maryland
Jan. 2, 2010
Complete Results in PDF Format 
Coral Gables, Fla. – Amid unusually chilly conditions in south Florida, the University of Miami swimming and diving team held its first home meet of the 2009-2010 season on Saturday, facing ACC foe the University of Maryland at the Norman A Whitten University Center Pool in Coral Gables, Fla.
Temperatures in the high-50’s welcomed both squads Saturday morning, with winds near 15 mph circling the normally picturesque outdoor aquatics center for the `Canes. However, the Hurricanes were excited about being at home for the first time on the campaign, and produced several positive results.
“Obviously, it was awesome to be at home for the first time and have the fans supporting us,” admitted UM head swimming coach Christie Shefchunas. “What I loved is the way the girls walked in confident, and I saw a lot of fight in them today.”
Miami began the day with junior Ryann Labreche taking first place in the 1000-yard freestyle, touching the wall at 10:37.47, followed in fourth place by sophomore Gina Mayer (10:57.82). Junior Annika Saarnak placed second in the 200-yard freestyle, collecting a time of 1:53.18, while teammate Lauren Jacoby placed third with a mark of 1:57.09.
In the 100-yard backstroke, Miami native and freshman Hannah Kling was third at 59.89, and sophomore Roxanne Meyer was fourth at 1:00.40.
Freshman Sofia Johansson continues to burn waves in the 100-yard breaststroke, turning in a winning performance of 1:05.23. For Johansson, she has won four-of-five 100 breast events this season, and placed among the top five at the Ohio State Invitational in early December. Sophomore Dana Hatic finished third in the 100 breast, collecting a mark of 1:08.45.
Kling finished as the top performer for the `Canes in the 50-yard freestyle, finishing in second place at 24.96, while Saarnak took second place in the 100 free (52.77). Kling would collect another second place finish in the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:06.86, and Meyer placed just behind her in third at 2:07.88.
Johansson would come in second in the 200-yard breaststroke, touching at 2:23.81, and freshman Christine Anderson placed third (2:29.02). Labreche laid claim to her second win of the day in the mid-distance 500 free, posting at 5:10.52, while teammate Taylor Grenda came in third at 5:15.15.
Saarnak claimed the win in the 100-yard butterfly, finishing at 57.59, and Meyer was third in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:10.88.
The `Canes were second overall in the 200-yard freestyle relay as the team of Saarnak, Lauren Jacoby, Kayla Smith and Hagar Elgendy recorded a mark of 1:38.52.
Maryland took the win on the day, 191-103.
“We’re training a lot right now – more than usual,” expressed Shefchunas. “We’re looking forward to a good week of practice and training, and these next three weeks are going to set us up for the ACC’s. We’re trying to get as much work in as we can until that time.”
The Hurricanes step back onto the blocks Friday, January 8 when they welcome Illinois and Nebraska as part of a tri-meet at the Norman A Whitten University Center Pool, beginning at 11 a.m. Admission is free.
For more information on the University of Miami Swimming & Diving team, please log on to www.hurricanesports.com. Once there, you will find up-to-date news, results and information regarding the Hurricanes Swimming & Diving program.
