TAYLOR BIRD
Sports Assistant
The Pepperdine swimming and diving team made school history last week at the PCSC Championships, placing second with a score of 1166, the highest point total in team history.
Senior Ali McLeod’s performance earned her the honor of PCSC Swimmer of the Year, and she was also the only swimmer at the meet to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
Loyola Marymount took first place with a score of 1212 points, followed by Pepperdine and UC San Diego (1159).
McLeod broke a school record Friday, clocking in at 54.7 seconds for first place in the 100-yard butterfly, despite being hindered by a sprained ankle throughout the entire tournament.
“The whole time it was a stretch,” McLeod said. “It definitely inhibited my performance. I would have gotten a faster time if I didn’t have a sprained ankle.”
Sophomore Dani Kimmel also set a new record with her time of 1:05.24 in the 100-yard breaststroke. Senior Loriann Mark recorded times of 5:02.62 in the 500-yard freestyle and 17:42.84 in the 1650-yard freestyle, ranking third in school history for both events.
More than 20 swimmers posted personal-best times during the tournament, including junior Michelle Fadley (2:11.80 in the 200-yard butterfly), senior Jaime Lyon (2:10.94 in the 200-yard butterfly) and sophomore Marissa McDaniel, finishing at 18:44.59 in the 1650-yard freestyle.
“I’m really proud of the team,” said junior Haley Wilson. “Compared to last year they just picked up the intensity an entire level.”
Pepperdine divers contributed nearly 200 points during two events at the tournament. Four Waves finished in the top 10 in the three-meter dive, led by junior Amanda Pond in third place.
Head Coach Nick Rodionoff was ecstatic about his players’ performance this season and said he has high expectations for next season.
“It was a very, very exciting year,” he said. “What struck me the most about the meet was that the kids were sad the year was over. It looks good for the future, because the kids are excited to swim.”
McLeod will represent Pepperdine at the NCAA Championships in Columbus, Ohio, beginning March 20.
02-21-2008