Chandler sets NCAA mark in 100 breaststroke, Spofforth wins again in 100 backstroke

Chandler sets NCAA mark, Spofforth wins again

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Arizona’s Ann Chandler set an NCAA record in the 100-yard breaststroke at the women’s swimming and diving championships on Friday night.

Chandler finished in 58.06, beating the previous time of 58.10 by USC’s Rebecca Soni on Feb. 27, 2009.

“I was in the moment and not thinking about last year or the year before or the year before,” Chandler said. “I used to go all out, giving it my all the first 50, so this time I was more relaxed.”

Florida’s Gemma Spofforth won an NCAA title in the 100-yard backstroke for the third consecutive year. She finished in 50.92 seconds.

“I really wanted to break 50, apparently I didn’t want it enough,” Spofforth said. “I’m happy to have won three times in a row and happy to head into tomorrow with a new, positive outlook.”

Indiana’s Kateryna Fesenko finished second in 51.15.

Spofforth also won the 200 freestyle relay on Thursday and the 100 backstroke on Friday. She looks for another victory on Saturday when she competes in the 200 backstroke.

Stanford continues to lead the team competition with 266.5 points. Georgia is a close second at 262.5. Georgia would have ended the day with the lead had it not been disqualified in the 200-yard medley relay when Kristen Shickora came off the wall too early to start the race.

“I hope it doesn’t cost us,” Georgia coach Jack Bauerle said. “It’s always a special kid who wants to make things perfect and we had a little trip on the relay, but I’m really happy with my team after that.”