Courtesy: Houston Athletics
HOUSTON – Following the successful return of the Phill Hansel Invitational, Houston Swimming & Diving freshman Lottie Cullen and sophomore Michelle McLeod earned weekly honors from the Big 12 Conference, the league announced Wednesday.
Cullen earned her third Newcomer of the Week title of the season while McLeod received her first Diver of the Week nod.
Cullen continued a fantastic freshman season at the Phill Hansel. Beginning the weekend, she broke the 100-yard backstroke record for the second time this season with her leadoff leg of the also record-breaking 400-yard medley relay. Her time of 51.95 helped lead the way to a first place and new school record time of 3:33.10.
She continued her record-breaking ways on day two, toppling the 100 back record again with a 51.19 to win the event. She downed her third record of the meet on its final day, setting a new program-best in the 200-yard backstroke (1:53.24).
Overall, Cullen ranks with the 14th fastest 100 back and 24th fastest 200 back time in the country. Houston’s 400 medley relay also ranks as the 18th fastest in the nation.
McLeod is following up her outstanding debut season with another successful campaign. She took first place in two of the three event finals and two preliminary rounds at the Phill Hansel. She started the meet by sweeping the top spot in both the prelims (308.60) and the finals (324.85) in the 1-meter.
On day two, McLeod continued to shine, taking second in the prelims (293.50) before setting a mark of 345.05 to win the 3-meter. She closed out the meet with a first place showing in the platform prelims (316.55), eventually taking third overall in the event (249.75). McLeod has earned a NCAA Zone Cut in all three diving events this season.
