FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – The Cal women's swimming & diving team was well-represented on the leader board on the first day of the 2015 AT&T Winter National Championships on Thursday.
Three Golden Bears advanced to each of the championship finals in the 200 individual medley and 50 freestyle. Former Cal star and 2012 Olympian Caitlin Leverenz placed second in the 200 IM with a time of 2:11.79 while freshman Kathleen Baker was right behind in third place with a lifetime-best mark of 2:12.13. Junior Celina Li placed eighth in a time of 2:15.31. Senior Kelly Naze also recorded a lifetime best in the 200 IM, clocking in at 2:15.28 in the C-final.
Cal signee Abbey Weitzeil celebrated her birthday by finishing second in the 50 free with a time of 24.86 while junior Farida Osman was third with a mark of 25.22. Former Cal swimmer and 12-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin was fifth in 25.27. Freshman Amy Bilquist was second in the B-final with a mark of 25.33 while sophomore Valerie Hull swam a lifetime best of 25.84 in the C-final.
“It was a really solid night,” Cal coach Teri McKeever said. “I was very pleased with what I saw. There was good enthusiasm from the team and it was excellent racing to watch and learn from. I look forward to keeping it going.”
The Winter Nationals continue Friday with the 400 individual medley, 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, 100 breaststroke and 100 backstroke.