Fort Collins, Colo. - The Colorado State women's swimming and diving team claimed first place at the Early Bird Invitational for the second consecutive year and the fourth time in five years Saturday evening.

Colorado State crushed their competition, scoring 1151 points, 374 points more than their closest competitor, Fresno State.

Head Coach John Mattos was inspired by the performance put on by the Rams.

"So many of our young swimmers have really stepped up," said Mattos. "I know it's early in the year, but I'm very optimistic about our future. We have a special group here."

Junior Sandy Leaycraft is one of the reasons for Mattos' optimism. One might wonder how Sandy Leaycraft could perform better than she did on Day one of the Early Bird, but those present at EPIC on Saturday could only be further amazed as Leaycraft set the Early Bird mark for the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:54.55, eclipsing the old mark by one one-hundreth of a second.

"I don't let records break my focus when I'm preparing for a race," Leaycraft commented. "I was surprised (when I saw the record), especially when I was told how close it was."

Leaycraft's exemplary performance was one of many for the Rams. Freshman Dylon Groenewald took home second place honors in the 200-yard backstroke, second only to Leaycraft. Also, sophomore Lyndsey Carlaw claimed the championship in the 200-yard Individual Medley.

"Competition really brings out the best in me," Carlaw said. "When get into the water and the adrenaline starts flowing I know that it's my time to shine."

The Rams are 1-1 in dual meets this season. The Rams' next opponent will be Northern Colorado on Friday, Nov. 4 at Moby Pool.

Courtesy Colorado State University