Kingsport, TN – With six conference titles and ten podium finishes, the second-ranked UC women's swimming team remains in first place after the second day of competition at the MSC Championships.  The Patriots record 554 points to lead the ten team field. 

Cumberlands had strong performances throughout their lineup and it began with Mendy de Rooi winning the 100 butterfly with a time of 55.28.  The senior went 54.71 in prelims, which was the fastest time in the NAIA this season, and won the finals by over three seconds.   

UC entered the 200 free with the three fastest seeds in prelims and they didn't let down in finals.  In the closest finish of the night Leah Thomas edged out Hanne te Velthuis by 0.03 seconds to earn gold and her first individual conference title.  Thomas clocked a 1:54.18, while te Velthuis went 1:54.21 for the one-two finish and the third, fourth fastest times in the NAIA this season. Houston Burgoon touched the wall in 1:58.93 to finish fourth in the event.

The Patriots added another one-two finish in the 100 breast as Cameron Klimczak went a career-best time of 1:05.99 to earn her second conference title of the meet.  That time is the second fastest in the NAIA this season and ranks the senior fourth in program history.  Yuliia Hnidenko earned the silver medal touching the wall in 1:06.75.  Kayana Cook also notched a top-five finish, clocking a time of 1:08.43.

Emma Lehmkuhl notched her second conference title as she took top honors in the three-meter dive event.

In the 100 back, a pair of Patriots found themselves on the podium.  Anastasiia Shatalova went 58.34 to place second, while Maria Basto earned the bronze medal with a time of 58.60. 

A trio of Patriots advanced to the finals of the 400 IM led by Sara Overly, who went 4:48.0 to place fourth.  Alli Lovell and Jami Margolen finished fifth and sixth, respectfully, with times of 4:51.16 and 4:54.28.

UC opened the day with Shatalova, Klimczak, de Rooi, and te Velthuis teaming up to go 1:46.84 and win gold in the 200 medley relay.  De Rooi and te Velthuis were joined by Thomas and Basto on the winning 800 free relay team that posted a time of 7:45.96.

Cumberlands will return to the water tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. for the final day of competition.  The finals are set to begin at 6:30 p.m. with live video of all the action available here.

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