ST. GEORGE, Utah (February 17, 2021) – In a come from behind win in the 800 freestyle relay and third-place finish in the 200 medley relay, the Lumberjacks will enter the second day of the WAC Championships tied for first place with Grand Canyon University with 72 points.
"It was a great start for us and it's really encouraging to see where we are," head coach Andy Johns said.
Northern Arizona started out hot in the 200 medley relay, hitting the wall at 1:41.95 for a close third-place finish. The two top finishers were Grand Canyon (1:41.29) and Northern Colorado (1:41.48).
The final two legs of the 800 free relay showcased Northern Arizona's motivation and desire in earning their eighth consecutive Western Athletic Conference Championship title. Trailing behind in third for most of the race, the momentum of the race switched as freshman Annie Carlton challenged New Mexico's lead, pulling ahead in her final two laps.
"Annie put us in a great position there," Johns said. "It was a really amazing split for her."
Carlton had the fastest splits of the night in that relay for the Lumberjacks, coming in at 25.06, 52.95, 1:20.97, and 1:48.50.
Building on Carlton's quick race, freshman Francesca Criscione continued the Lumberjack's position, posting a 7:23.72 finish and the first gold medal for NAU so far.
"Frannie showed a lot of toughness keeping her spot in first," Johns said.
With the win and third-place finish, Northern Arizona and Grand Canyon remain tied with 72 points each during the first night of the WAC Championship four-day swimming meet.
"All of that being said, it's a long meet," Johns said. "We have six more sessions to go, but we're pretty excited about the start."
The Lumberjacks will look forward to continuing their positive trend tomorrow, the second day of the WAC Championships. NAU will compete in the 500 freestyle, the 200 individual medley, the 50 freestyle and the 200 free relay. Prelims for the events will begin at 11 a.m. MST with live streaming on
Facebook Live, with finals at 6 p.m. on
ESPN+.
2021 WAC Championship Day 1 Scores
1(T). Northern Arizona University, 72
1(T). Grand Canyon University, 72
3(T). Northern Colorado, 64
3(T). New Mexico State University, 64
5(T). Dixie State University, 52
5(T). Idaho, 52
5(T). California Baptist University, 52
8. Seattle University, 44
