Washington freshman Ariana Kukors won the 400-yard individual medley, highlighting the third night of the Pacific-10 Conference women’s swimming championships at Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool on Friday with her second title of the meet.

Kukors finished in a time of 4 minutes, 5.29 seconds, besting her nearest rival sophomore Julia Smith of Stanford by nearly three seconds.

Another freshman, Liz Smith of Stanford, took third place (4:09.70).

On Thursday, Kukors claimed the 200-yard individual medley and is one of only three swimmers in Washington history to win an individual conference title.

 “Just getting some wins and Pac-10 titles, things are happening for our program,” Kukors said.

A member of the U.S. National Team, Kukors said that her showing bodes well for upcoming competitions, including the U.S Swimming Trials in July for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.     
 
“I’m just trying to get some good races under my belt,” she said. “I’m definitely in the right direction going for the NCAA and Olympic trials this summer.”

Also looking strong was California, as Lauren Rogers won the 100-yard backstroke in 51.80.

“It was a good solid swim for her, defending her [Pac-10] title [from last year],” Cal Coach Teri McKeever said.

Rogers held off a pair of Arizona swimmers, junior Hailey DeGolia (52.72) and redshirt sophomore Justine Schluntz (52.85), to do so.

Another Golden Bear, junior Dana Vollmer, won the 100-yard butterfly (51.87) and is looking to repeat as NCAA champion in the event.

Senior Caitlin Andrew of Arizona State finished second in a time of 51.68, while Stanford’s Elaine Breeden took third (51.75).  

Kate Dwelley of Stanford won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:45.09, while USC junior Rebecca Soni was victorious in the 100-yard breaststroke (58.98).

Meg Hostage was the second Stanford diver in as many days to claim victory as she won a competitive 3-meter event that had four divers within five points of the top. Hostage finished with 300.00 points to edge second place Erin Hobbs of ArizonaState with 296.30. Three other Stanford divers – Carmen Stellar (295.30, 3rd), Hallie Ivester (295.00, 4th) and Sarah Ohr (285.80, 5th) – completed the top five.

“Obviously we are having a great meet,” said Stanford head diving coach Dr. Rick Schavone. “Sarah Ohr winning [the 1-meter] last night was hopefully a career boost, and she dove very well again today. Carmen Stellar and Hallie Ivester were great in the finals tonight and Katie Lampe dove the best I’ve ever seen her in prelims. And of course we are anchored by Meg Hostage, who is always there for the win.”

“But this is not our goal meet,” Schavone cautioned. “That is the NCAA Zone E meet in two weeks. We still have some work to do before I’ll feel ready for that meet.”

“Our divers are doing a fantastic job,” added Stanford head swimming coach Lea Maurer.

Arizona claimed the lone relay of the night, as Hailey DeGolia, Annie Chandler, Ana Agy and Lacey Nymeyer won the 400-yard medley in a time of 3:33.46.

“It was really a rallying effort,” Arizona Coach Frank Busch said. “It was awesome for them to do what they did.”

The Wildcats maintained their lead in the team rankings. Stanford is second, heading into the final night of competition trailing by 63 points.

“I like what I’m seeing,” Busch said.