The women’s swimming and diving team, coming off its third straight state championship and its 11th straight Empire 8 title, will look to maintain its record-breaking pace going into nationals.

The Blue and Gold saw four team records fall at states Saturday:  sophomore Missy Keesler broke the record for 200-yard backstroke, sophomore Kelly Murphy broke the 1,000-yard freestyle record, junior Sheila Rhoades broke the 50-yard freestyle and freshman Carly Jones broke the 12-year-old record in the 400-yard individual medley.

Rhoades met the NCAA A Qualifying Standard, which means she automatically qualifies for nationals. She was also honored with the title of Swimmer of the Meet for the Empire 8. The team also had 16 swimmers meet the NCAA B Qualifying Standard. These swimmers will be considered for spots at nationals. On average, 19-20 swimmers for each event will be invited.

“They were just phenomenal,” Head Coach Paula Miller said. “We had 17 of the swimmers make it into our best-times list. It was a lot of fun — a lot of hard work, but a lot of fun.”

Rhoades said the team’s light attitude contributed to its success.

“We were huge goof-heads at the meet,” she said. “The fact that we were having the best time out of all the teams was what made us relax and perform so well. We started out a little slow, but after the first morning, everyone took it up a notch and the rest of our performances were great. We all started to cheer louder and harder than any of the other teams, which was really motivating for all of us.”

The coaching staff for the team was also named Coaches of the Empire 8 and the Upper New York State Collegiate Swimming Association.

“It’s a huge honor,” Miller said. “That’s just a reflection of the success of the team.”

One of the biggest surprises of the meet was having two divers, senior Naomi Mark and sophomore Jodi Costello, qualify for B qualifying standards, when Ithaca hasn’t qualified a diver in six years.

“It makes me feel really proud of our team as a whole because without the support of everyone else, we wouldn’t be where we are right now,” Mark said.

Rhoades said in addition to upping its yardage before tapering, the team will wear tights during practice leading up to nationals to increase drag.

“Wearing tights is a really important part during this time because since we just shaved our whole bodies, we feel a lot faster in the water than we did before shaving,” she said. “The tights will increase the amount of drag on our legs, so it basically replicates the feeling of having hairy legs again. When the time for nationals comes along, not wearing the tights will mimic the act of shaving our legs, making us feel fast in the water again.”

The swimmers will also be mentally preparing themselves for nationals.

“Mentally, I try to visualize my race and just think about having fast starts and turns,” Rhoades said. “Focusing on the positives and ignoring fears or things that could go wrong really works for me, too.”

Senior captain Shannon Archer said the huge win at states gives the team a bright outlook for nationals.

“The performances of the girls at states definitely gives them some confidence going into nationals,” she said. “It was a really successful meet for us. They’re all really optimistic and looking forward to going to nationals.”

Rhoades said winning states gives the team an advantage at the national level.

“We’ve proven we can be successful in our conference and that we’re ready to take our skills to the next level.”

Miller said with the Bombers’ depth, the team has a great chance at continuing its success.

“This is our best team as far as balance goes,” Miller said. “Across the board we have every event covered and every athlete contributing, which is exciting.”