Courtney McGovern

Making her debut at the NCAA Div. III Championships, Courtney McGovern of The College of Wooster finished in 26th-place during Thursday's 100-yard butterfly competition and the first-year standout still has two more events the next two days at the IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis, Ind.

A month ago, McGovern won the North Coast Athletic Conference championship in the 100 fly with a 56.36 time, and she was hoping to come close to that again, which would qualify her for the top-16 nationally. In Thursday's prelims, she got off to a strong start the first 50 yards as her time of 26.46 was faster than six who ultimately made the top-16, but she faded just a bit the second 50, settling for a 57.00.

While it may not have been what she was hoping for, McGovern still finished ahead of 22 other competitors in the 100 fly, and gained significant NCAA experience.

The national meet continues Friday and Saturday, with McGovern set to compete in the 100 backstroke and 200 back, respectively.