Feb. 22, 2011

PHILADELPHIA -

 

Live results and video

The Explorers are gearing up for the 2011 Atlantic 10 swimming & diving championships, which kick off tomorrow evening at 4:30 p.m. at the Flickinger Aquatics Center in Buffalo, NY.

The men's team, which sits 2-0 against conference opponents this season, seeks to upset the five-time champion Minutemen. The La Salle women look to improve upon last year's fifth-place finish.

"I'm just excited to get out and see the team," head coach Matt Nunnally said.  "It's a celebration of all the hard work that the team has done all season long."

Nunnally will look to the divers for top performances and to earn points for La Salle.

Laurie McLaughlin has posted the top 1-meter and 3-meter dives in the A-10 this season, while Jordan Baker has a conference-top three score in both dives.

In the pool, four-time A-10 Performer of the Week Austin Thomas has posted the conference's fastest times in the 50- and 100-free this season. The men will rely on a group of underclassmen, as well as their depth to put up points.

The women will be led by their upperclassmen, including some of the top freestylers in the conference in Elizabeth Jordan, Erin Karski, Emily Heath and Holly Biro and a top backstroker in Jessica Carbin.

Wednesday's opening night will include the women's one-meter dive trials and finals, as well as the 200-medley and 800-free relays.

From Thursday through Saturday, trials will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the finals competition will follow at 6:30 p.m.

Explorer fans can follow live results throughout the entire championship period. Fans can also catch the action live via a free web stream during each evening session beginning on Thursday, February 24th.  The broadcasts will commence at 6:30 p.m.

Watch the preview video above to hear commentary from head coach Matt Nunnally.