Dec. 3, 2006
AUSTIN, Texas -
As the third and final day of the 2006 Texas Invitational came to a close, Arizona State University's men's and women's swimming teams showcased a series of impressive individual and relay performances, and the final standings placed the men's team fifth (278 points) and the women's team sixth (261 points).
The men's team scored 91 points during Saturday's day three action, highlighted by the placement of three of the top six finishers in the finals round of the 1650 freestyle, all of which earned NCAA `B' cuts for their efforts.
Junior CJ Nuess led the way for the Sun Devils in the distance freestyle event, finishing third overall with a time of 15:10.03. Junior Lucas Azevedo was the next to finish (15:16.70), and sophomore Gal Nevo placed sixth (15:23.85).
Freshman Ante Cvitkovic had a solid finals round in the 200 back, recording an NCAA `B' qualifying time of 1:46.60.
ASU showcased three individuals and one relay that earned national consideration for their performances, including Nuess in the 200 fly and in the 200 breast, sophomore Sean Boyle in the 200 fly, sophomore Magnus Kjellberg in the 100 free and the 400 free relay squad consisting of Boyle, Kjellberg, freshman Marin Naranca and Cvitkovic.
The Sun Devil women achieved a total of eight NCAA qualifying or consideration times during the third day of competition.
The top overall performance of the evening for the women's team belong to the 400 relay which included junior Caitlin Andrew, sophomore Jen Beckberger, junior Lindsey Brown and senior Abra Armour. The team placed fourth in the event's final round, posting an NCAA `B' qualifying time of 3:21.41.
Andrew also recorded a `B' cut time in the 200 back, finishing in an even 2:00.00, while Beckberger earned similar acclaim in the 100 free, finishing the finals round of the event in 50.07.
ASU's women's team showcased two 200 breaststroke swimmers to earn NCAA `B' consideration in the finals round, including senior (2:16.40) and sophomore Amy Konowalik (2:15.27).
Two individuals and one relay recorded national consideration times on day three of the Texas Invitational, including junior Ellis Schieman and freshman Ashton Aubry in the 200 fly, and the 400 relay consisting of Scheiman and the freshman trio of Jess Perazzo, Sara McDaniel and Mirela Kardasevic.
Following an incredibly competitive three-day set of action in Austin, Texas, the Sun Devil men's and women's swimming and diving teams will break from competition for over one month, returning home to face UBC at ASU's Mona Plummer Aquatic Complex on Jan. 5 at 1 p.m.