SHENANDOAH, Texas – Sophomore Clara Baker kicked things off for the Ursinus College women's swimming contingent at the NCAA Division III Championships, competing in the 50-yard freestyle prelims on the first of four days of competition.

Making her second NCAA Championships appearance in as many years, Baker clocked a season-best 24.28 to place 51^st in preliminary action. Baker's time was just .03 seconds off her personal best, set at last year's national meet. 

Baker will join junior teammate Meggie Leitz in the 100-yard butterfly prelims on Thursday. Both will be in contention to qualify for the finals and cement All-American status; Baker is seeded 9^th at 55.38, while Leitz is 17^th at 55.95.

The top 16 swimmers from each event earn All-American status, with the first eight competing in the A final (first team All-America) and the next eight in the B final (honorable mention).

Last year Baker placed 15^th in the 100 fly, sealing honorable mention All-America recognition with a mark of 55.98.