STANFORD, Calif. – Senior Felicia Lee and junior Maddy Schaefer each won two events to help the Stanford women’s swimming and diving team to a 147-104 win against Washington State. The Cardinal jumped to a big lead and coasted, swimming the final four events as exhibitions.
The Cougars, an unfamiliar opponent on Stanford’s dual schedule, kicked off Pac-12 racing for the Cardinal. “I thought it was nice to have Washington State here,” said head coach Greg Meehan. “We’re excited about bringing them into the rotation and really appreciate that. It was good to get conference racing underway.”
Stanford went 10-for-10 in taking the top spot in the opening races. Lee pulled out wins in the 200 free (1:49.82) and the 50 free (23.55), while Schaefer earned first in the 100 back (55.13) and 100 free (50.33). Five other Cardinal contributed victories and Stanford also opened the meet by taking the top three spots in the 200 medley relay.
Meehan was especially impressed with the improved performance of his distance swimmers during the team’s second outing. “Our 1,000 and 500 swimmers did a good job of splitting their races,” noted Meehan. “Those who struggled with their details last week were much better. It’s good progress and I hope that they can appreciate what we are trying to do and trying to accomplish.”
Senior Andie Taylor cruised to a win in the 1,000 free in 9:57.89 and sophomore Julia Anderson posted Stanford’s top time in the 500 (4:57.95), although it was done as an exhibition.
The Cardinal returns to competition Oct. 18 when Avery Aquatic Center plays host to the alumni meet. “The alumni meet is always an opportunity to reconnect with alums,” Meehan said of the annual event. “We have such an amazing history of women’s swimming and diving here at Stanford. The number of Olympians, gold medalist, NCAA champions and All-Americans goes on and on so the opportunity to have them here in a really fun environment is something we’re looking forward to.”
