Aug. 9, 2011
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Five members of the Notre Dame women’s swimming team recently competed at the 2011 ConocoPhillips National Championships in Palo Alto, Calif., at Stanford University’s Avery Aquatic Center. Facing off against elite competition, senior Amy Prestinario, sophomores Sarah Dotzel, Kelly Ryan and Lauren Stauder and incoming freshman Bridget Casey performed admirably.
Prestinario, who helped the 400 freestyle relay team to victory at the 2011 BIG EAST Championships, finished 149th in the 100 freestyle in 59.02.
Ryan, who won two individual titles and two relay titles as a freshman at last season’s league meet, competed in the 100 and 200 backstroke and the 200 freestyle. The Hinsdale, Ill., native placed 33rd out of 191 competitors in the 100 backstroke (1:03.68), 56th out of 183 competitors in the 200 backstroke (2:17.90) and 118th in the 200 freestyle (2:05.61).
Each of Ryan’s backstroke performances were good enough for an Olympic Trials cut.
Stauder, who placed fourth in the 100 breaststroke at the BIG EAST Championships, finished 68th out of 150 competitors in the same event at 1:12.29 and 122nd in the 200 breaststroke (2:41.88).
Casey proved she is ready for the big-time stage by finishing 25th out of 148 in the 200 fly with an Olympic Trials cut in 2:13.17. She also finished 115th in the 400 individual medley (5:03.72) and 133rd in the 100 fly (1:03.47).
Dotzel placed 148th in the 100 backstroke in 1:06.22.
The Irish open the 2011-12 campaign Oct. 14 at the Rolfs Aquatic Center when they play host to the Dennis Stark Relays for the 28th consecutive season.
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