February 26, 2010

Bulls Have Record Breaking Day at MAC Champs

OXFORD, OH - Buffalo had an impressive day in the pool as day three of the Mid-American Conference Championships wrapped up in Oxford, Ohio. Sophomore Alie Schirmers set a new school record in the 400 IM, while freshman Caroline Simmons broke the school record in the 200 freestyle.

Schirmers started the night off for the Bulls, breaking the 400 IM record in a lifetime-best time of 4:18.98, bettering the previous record set in 2004 by nearly a second. Simmons broke a school record for the second consecutive day, swimming to an impressive time of 1:49.95 in the 200 freestyle. Her preliminary time of 1:49.73 sets a new school record, bettering the previous record of 1:50.24 set in 2008. Jordan Deren finished 14th in the 200 freestyle, swimming to a lifetime-best time of 1:50. 98.

The Bulls had three swimmers in the consolation heat of the 100 butterfly, as Sam Palma took 11th (55.97), Jessie Koltz finished 13th (56.39) and Emily Day took 16th (57.25). Brynn Marecki picked up sixth-place points in the 100 breaststroke, finishing in a time of 1:03.48. The 100 backstroke closed out the individual events for the night, with Jessica Ballard taking ninth (55.76), Katelyn Pratt-Collins picking up 12th (56.83) and Caitlin Reilly finishing 14th (57.25). UB closed the night with a fourth-place finish in the 400 medley relay as the team of Ballard, Marecki, Palma and Simmons finished in a season-best time of 3:44.67, just two-tenths away from the school record.

The Bulls finish the third day in sixth place with 259 points. Toledo continues to lead the way with 452 points. Competition continues through Saturday.