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BLACKSBURG, Va. – Senior Erika Hajnal, junior Heather Savage and freshman Sabrina Benson join divers, freshman Kaylea Arnett, junior Logan Kline and freshman Kelli Stockton at the 2012 NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships Thursday in Auburn, Ala.
“We are really excited about the three lady H2Okie swimmers heading to NCAAs this week,” commented head coach Ned Skinner. “They have each had great seasons and are all in scoring position. Erika, Heather and Sabrina are true racers and they will embrace the challenge of competing against the top collegiate swimmers in the country.”
Benson had an outstanding freshman campaign. The Raleigh, N.C., native won nine individual titles this season and had a great post-season showing at the ACC Championships. Benson brought in 29 individual points, while helping gather 92 points in relays for the Tech. She qualified for the NCAAs in the 100 and 200 backstrokes, and the 100 butterfly at the ACCs. Although placing in the consolation round of the 100 backstroke, Benson swam almost a second faster than all competitors in the finals to have the 14th best time in the country.
Savage, the Canandaigua, N.Y., native, Savage, had a record-breaking junior season. She took home eight gold medals this season, in addition to becoming an ACC Champion in the 100 butterfly. Qualifying for the NCAAs in the 100 backstroke, 100 and 200 butterflies, her 100 fly time is the Christiansburg Aquatic Center record, ACC meet record, ACC Championship record, and stands ninth in the country.
Entering her fourth NCAA championship, Hajnal, the senior from Budapest, Hungary closes her Virginia Tech career swimming in the 400 IM, 1650 freestyle and 500 freestyle. Hajnal, one of Tech’s most lucrative swimmers took home 16 individual titles this season. She led the H2Okie women in points, as she took home two silver medals (400 IM and 1650 freestyle) and placed fourth in the 500 freestyle, which was good for 49 individual points. Her 400 IM time ranks 13th in the country.
“In particular, Erika will conclude her fantastic career and fourth NCAA championships this week,” added Skinner. “We are very proud of her accomplishments and appreciate everything that she has done for our program.”
The six Hokies will jump into the water Thursday at the James Martin Aquatics Center on the campus of Auburn University in Auburn, Ala. Click the link to find all the information on the 2012 NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships. http://www.ncaa.com/championships/swimming-women/d1
For updates on Virginia Tech swimming & diving, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_SwimDive).
