Huskers Look To Capture Third Consecutive Big 12 Title

Lincoln - The eighth-ranked Nebraska women's swimming and diving team returns to Austin, Texas, to defend the Big 12 Conference title in a three-day showdown at the Jamail Swimming and Diving Center, Feb. 18-20.

The Huskers won their second-consecutive Big 12 crown last season, claiming their fifth-straight conference title overall. Last season, NU managed to overcome a 20-point Texas lead after the second day of competition, as the then 13th-ranked Longhorns led seventh-ranked Nebraska, 592-572. The Huskers would eventually prevail, winning three events on the final day en route to a three-day meet total of 868 points. Texas finished second with 818, while Texas A&M placed third (570).

Nebraska enters the meet with a 7-3 dual mark, 3-0 in the Big 12 Conference. NU opened the year by winning the Big 12 Relay meet, edging out conference rival Texas, 72-62. The Huskers went on to record a second-place finish at the SMU Lady Invite, finishing behind the third-ranked Mustangs. In November, NU recorded impressive victories over national powers UCLA and Virginia in winning the adidas Sprint Classic and Husker Shoot Out.

The Huskers return four individual Big 12 champions, including Shandra Johnson. Competing as a freshman last season, the Omaha North grad set three Big 12 records in winning the 200- (1:46.53) and 500- (4:43.48) yard freestyles and the 200-yard backstroke (1:58.35). Johnson was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and garnered Co-Outstanding-Performer honors. Destiny Lauren garnered her first Big 12 title and third overall in the 200-yard butterfly (2:00.69). Helene Muller and Laura Simon return after both secured conference gold at the 1997 meet. Muller won the 50- (22.98) and 100- (50.02) freestyles while Simon placed first in the 400-yard IM (4:19.15).

Johnson has posted the fastest times in the 200- (1:47.85) and 500-yard freestyle (4:54.50) thus far this season. However, another Johnson, Emma, owns the league's fastest marks in the 200-yard IM (2:03.07), 400-yard IM (4:12.83) and 200-yard backstroke (1:59.57). Beth Karaica has posted the Big 12's top times in the 50- (22.89) and 100- (49.93) yard freestyles. Terrie Miller has the conference's fastest time in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:02.43). Freshman Janna Brock, a native of Allen, Texas, leads the Big 12 in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:13.69).