Nanooks Fall To Tough Northern Colorado Team, 135-64 :: Pavlovskaya sets another varsity record in 200 back

Nov. 4, 2007

FAIRBANKS, AK- The Northern Colorado Bears showed their toughness on Saturday, turning in an excellent team performance in the Patty Center pool to best the Alaska Nanooks 135-64.

"We got a score today that pretty much reflected how good this Division I team is," said head coach Scott Lemley. "We've got a ways to be competitive on a team basis with them."

After winning four events on Friday, the Nanooks could capture just two wins on Saturday, overcoming the Bears in the 400-yard medley relay (defeating the Northern Colorado swimmers who were also disqualified in the event) as well as a Mariya Pavlovskaya victory in the 200 yard backstroke. The Russian freshman's time of 2:09.71 in the event not only broke team and pool records she had set herself earlier in the season, but also qualified as an NCAA B cut.

"Mariya continues to be one of the bright spots in these contests with Division I teams," said Lemley. "In four more months, if she can continue to drop a little more time, I think we're looking at an All-American swimmer."

For the Bears, Kelly Sandford and Katie Schmitt each won two events apiece, and the team set four pool records on their way to victory.

The Nanooks now have a week break before heading to the Speedo Cup in Long Beach, California on Nov. 15-17.