Minneapolis, Minn.------ San Jose State University's two seventh-place finishes in relay races made their way into the Spartans' record book on the first day of the 2019 Mountain West Women's Swimming and Diving Championships.
The foursome of Taylor Lehr, Kate Hanf, Brenna Bushey and Madelyn Sailors posted a season-best time of 1:41.05 in the 200 medley relay. The winning time was a conference record setting time of 1:36.76 by San Diego State.
The Spartans concluded the night with a 7:22.46 in the 800 freestyle relay by the quartet of Gabby Heng, Lehr, Gabriela Vieira and Kendal Guy. Nevada's 7:09.76 was good for first place.
Both relay race times were good for #6 on the all-time San Jose State list in the respective events.
"(The team) had a solid start to the meet with 100% of our swims being lifetime bests. Our 800 free relay was two seconds faster than last year and was highlighted by Gabby Heng leading off in the third fastest 200 free in school history. Our medley relay was led off with Taylor Lehr putting up the fourth fastest 50 back in school history, Brenna Bushey got the fastest butterfly split in school history and freshman Maddy Sailors came home in a solid 22.6," said San Jose State women's swimming and diving head coach Sage Hopkins.
San Jose State did not fare as well in the 1-meter dive, the only other event on the opening day of the four-day conference championship. Natasha Sondeno was the Spartans' top finisher placing 28th with a 217.45. Megan Au was 32nd with a 200.05 score. A 230.10 total was needed to add to a team's point total for the first night.
The two relay races gave San Jose State 92 points. the Spartans are in a ninth-place tie with Air Force heading into the second day of the championships. Five events, the 50 free, 200 individual medley, 500 free, 400 medley relay, and 3-meter diving, are on the schedule.