You can add yet another school record to the resume of Madeline Lovrensky.
The Leopard sophomore, known for her talents in the backstroke, proved her versatility by sprinting to a lifetime best and La Verne school record of 23.96 in the preliminaries of the women's 50 yard freestyle at the NCAA Championships Wednesday in Shenandoah, Texas.
Though Lovrensky did not advance to the final, the performance was a significant improvement as she shaved .43 from her previous best in that event.
"Maddie had an awesome effort today," said head coach Pat Skehan. "It was especially significant given that it was her first-ever appearance at an NCAA Championship meet.
Lovrensky, who will compete in both the 100 and 200 backstroke events later this week, was earlier honored as a finalist for the Elite 89 Award the 2013 NCAA Division III Women's Swimming & Diving Championship.
The Elite 89, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.
On Thursday, La Verne swimming & diving will be represented by junior Marc Okimura, who will compete in the men's 100 yard butterfly.
