SAN ANTONIO – Junior Haley Rowley and sophomore Marie Goodwyn set program records and helped lead Colorado State to a productive second day at the 2018 Mountain West Championship at the Palo Alto College Aquatic Center on Thursday.
Rowley set a new top program mark in the 500 freestyle in the preliminary round, posting a 4:46.78 (breaking a record that Rowley set last season). She then improved by more than a second in the finals, placing third in a blistering time of 4:45.67.
Goodwyn added more record-breaking excitement in the 200 IM finals, touching the wall in 2:00.88 to top a mark held by Kristen Schneider in 2014.
Haley Rowley (left) and Marie Goodwyn (right) set program records on Thursday.
"Both Haley and Marie have had to overcome their share of highs and lows this season, but they were persistent in their preparations and consistent in their attitudes," CSU assistant coach Mackenzie Novell said of the record-breaking duo. "They both contribute heavily to the team's positive spirit and we are extremely proud of their efforts tonight."
The 200 IM was a strong event for the Rams, with freshman Maddie Ward placing eighth in the finals to contribute 22 points to the team effort. Ward finished the preliminary round of the event in 2:02.15, making her the third-fastest swimmer in CSU history in the 200 IM.
The 200 free relay was the first final of the evening. Sophomore Veronica Morin, juniors Kelsey Lawton and Tonicia Thomas and senior Rowan Hauber combined to finish in 1:32.37 – the fourth-fastest mark in program history.
Hauber gave the Rams another strong A-final performance, placing seventh in the 50 free sprint. Other Rams to score points on Thursday included juniors Nina Stitt (18th, 200 IM) and Ida Donohue (24th, 500 free).
CSU moved up to eighth on the team leaderboard with 242 points, ahead of New Mexico and Fresno State. Only 20 points separates the Rams and fifth-place San Jose State.
The MW Championship will resume tomorrow with finals in the 400 medley relay, 400 IM, 100 butterfly, 200 free, 100 breaststroke and 100 backstroke.
Fans can watch the championship live with FloSwimming by clicking here.
