PHILADELPHIA – The Explorers' swimming & diving season will culminate this weekend at the 2012 Atlantic 10 Swimming & Diving Championships held at the Flickinger Aquatics Center in Buffalo, N.Y. from Wednesday until Saturday.
 
La Salle has worked hard throughout the season and brings a versatile team into championship weekend.
 
“I think a podium finish is a realistic expectation for the team,” head swimming & diving coach Matt Nunnally said.
 
Sophomore Greta Reichert and freshman Colleen Larkin will lead the Explorers in the distance swims, with the pair earning top five seeds in both the 500 and 1650 free.
 
The sprints should be a strong point for the Explorers as well, with junior Elizabeth Jordan and sophomore Katie Snee the first and fourth seeds, respectively, in the 50-free.
 
Jordan has also posted the top time in the conference in the 100-breast this season and should be competitive in the 100-free as well.
 
Junior Jessica Simunek should contribute in the stoke events and could medal in the   100-fly and 200-breast.
 
On the diving board, senior Laurie McLaughlin will have a final chance to add on to her outstanding career for the Explorers.  A bronze medalist in the 1-meter dive in 2010 and with three other top 5 finishes to her name, she will look to return to the podium this year.
 
The championships will get underway on Wednesday evening with the 200-medley relay and 800-free relays.

A complete listing of events, results and a free live stream of the competition can be obtained through the Atlantic 10.