By Tori Kohl
Akron leads after Thursday’s opening session of the 2014 Mid-American Conference Women's Swimming & Diving Championships here at Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio. The Zips tallied 201 points, followed by Miami with 167 points and Eastern Michigan with 148 points.
Akron began the evening by winning its first relay race in school history. The team of Taylor Hart, Hannah Raspopovich, Ashley Niznik and Kendra Colby finished the 200 yard Freestyle Relay in a time of 1:31.53. Following the Zips was Buffalo (1:31.68) in second and Bowling Green (1:31.95) in third.
Buffalo’s Jessica Powers claimed the 500 yard Free title in a pool record time of 4:46.37. Miami’s Stephanie Pearce finished in second (4:48.82), while Akron’s Ashley Drazkowski came in third with a time of 4:48.83.
The 200 IM title was claimed by Buffalo’s Brittney Kuras for the third year in a row. Kuras finished the race with a time of (1:59.20) and was followed by teammate Spencer Rodriguez (2:00.64) in second & Miami’s Aubrey Kuth (2:01.79) in third.
Akron’s Raspopovich took first place in the 50 yard Free with a pool record time of 22.76. Ball State’s Haley Richter took home second place with a time of 22.76, while Miami’s Annie Marquiss placed third (23.18).
Eastern Michigan's Danielle Hulvey claimed the 1-meter diving championship with a score of 309.6. Miami's Nikki Craft finished second with 302.45 points, while Ohio's Kristin Capcik took home third place with 300.15 points.
The night concluded with Ball State winning the 400 Medley Relay. The team of Mallory Miles, Bridgette Ruehl, Carlena Magley & Richter finished the race in a time of 3:40.06. Following the Cardinals was Akron (3:40.65), while Bowling Green finished third (3:40.76).
Action continues on Friday at SPIRE with preliminaries set for 9 a.m. and the finals set for 6 p.m.
MAC Women's Swimming & Diving Team Results (Following Day 1)
1. Akron -- 201 points
2. Miami -- 167
3. Eastern Michigan -- 148
T4. Buffalo -- 138
T4. Bowling Green -- 138
6. Ohio -- 114
7. Ball State -- 101
8. Toledo -- 85
