The 2010 Horizon League Swimming and Diving Championships got underway on Wednesday evening at the Flames Natatorium in Chicago, Ill. with Valparaiso sitting in eighth place after the first of four days of competition.

The Crusaders scored 24 points through the first three events, and trail seventh place Butler by 22 points entering day two.  Milwaukee leads the meet with 111 points followed by Wright State and Green Bay with 106 points each.  UIC is fourth with 86 points followed by Cleveland State (75) and Youngstown State (52).

Valpo scored its points with a seventh place finish in the 200 medley relay to close the night’s action.  Shaunna Dangremond (Tucson, Ariz./Sabino H.S.), Amy Andracki (Arlington Heights, Ill./Prospect H.S.), Rachel Majercik (Schaumburg, Ill./Conant H.S.), and Laura Rickey (Monmouth, Ill./Monmouth-Roseville H.S.) posted a time of 1:50.57, the third fastest time in school history.  The team was just one second out of sixth place.

In the 1,000 freestyle, Kristy Shew (Terre Haute, Ind./North Vigo H.S.) led the Crusader squad with her fastest time of the season, 11:05.79.  The senior placed 20th overall.

Valparaiso will return to the pool on Thursday for day two of competition.  Preliminary heats begin at 10:30 a.m. with finals slated for 6 p.m.