Feb. 18, 2011

Columbia, Mo.-- The Missouri men's and women's swimming and diving teams started the fifth annual Missouri Grand Prix strong, as several swimmers set new personal records and Amanda Masters made it to the A finals in 100 breast.

After finishing eighth in the 100 breast prelims Friday morning with a time of 1:13.45, Masters competed against some of the best swimmers worldwide in Friday night's finals. She again finished eighth, clocking in at 1:13.55.

Mark Conroy swam a 1:03.46 in the 100 breast prelims, finishing fourth and well under the Olympic Trials qualifying requirement of 1:04.69.

Caitlin Connor and Melissa Jamerson finished the 100 fly prelim in a tie for eighth, with a time of 1:03.64.

Brigette Selbert clocked a personal best time of 2:07.32 in the 200 free, and Rachel Ripley also set a new best time with her Olympic Trials qualifying time of 1:11.28 in the 100 breast. In the same event, Emy DiBenigno finished with a personal best time of 1:13.74.

The Tigers compete in several events tomorrow as well. Competition begins at 9:00 am, and the event can be followed live on www.usaswimming.org.