AUBURN, Ala. (March 16)-New Mexico State freshman swimmer Aliena Schmidtke competed in the 200 freestyle on the second day of the 2012 NCAA Championships.

She recorded a 1:48.99 time in the event and finished in 56th place in the preliminaries. Schmidtke won the WAC Championships in the 200 free in February with a school-record performance of 1:46.38.

"This was not the swim Aliena was hoping for, but she had a good effort and is getting much out of this experience," head coach Rick Pratt said. "She was out a little timid in a fast heat and did not have the energy to rally at the end. This was still the best preliminary swim she has had, but at NCAAs you don't get a second chance. We're moving forward and excited for the 100 Saturday."

Schmidtke concludes the national meet with the 100 freestyle, Saturday, March 17.