March 15, 2012
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AUBURN, Ala. — University of Iowa freshman Becky Stoughton and senior Veronica Rydze represented the Hawkeyes at the first day of the 2012 NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championship inside the James E. Martin Aquatics Center.
Stoughton started her first career NCAA Championships with a 28th place finish in the 500 free. The Peoria, Ill., native posted a NCAA `B’ time of 4:43.74. A total of 57 athletes competed in the event.
Stoughton is the first Hawkeye swimmer to qualify for the NCAAs since Jennifer Skolaski swam in three events in 2005, and she is the first Iowa freshman to qualify since Skolaski in 2002.
Rydze returned for her second career appearance at the NCAA Championships, competing on the one-meter springboard. The Iowa City native recorded a score of 264.85 to place 30th overall in the event.
Rydze will compete on the three-meter springboard tomorrow afternoon. Rydze advanced to the NCAA Championships after qualifying on the three-meter springboard at the NCAA Zone D Diving Championships last weekend in Iowa City. The prelims of three-meter springboard will be held on Friday at 1:30 p.m.
Stoughton returns to the pool on Sat., March 17 to compete in the 1,650 free. Saturday marks the final day of the championships.
For live results and live video of the NCAA Championships, visit www.auburntigers.com.