Joyce’s 9th-Place Showing Highlights Liberty’s Toyota US Open Participation

Liberty sophomore Genna Joyce earned a ninth-place finish in the 200 breaststroke on Saturday, highlighting Liberty’s participation in the 2021 Toyota U.S. Open at Greensboro Aquatic Center in Greensboro, N.C.

Joyce and teammate Sydney Stricklin represented Liberty at the meet, which featured World record holders Katie Ledecky and Regan Smith.

Liberty Competitors

• So. Genna Joyce – 100 breaststroke (20th place in prelims (1:14.22)); 200 breaststroke (9th place in 2:36.19; qualified for B Final in 2:40.08)

• Fr. Sydney Stricklin – 100 freestyle (23rd place in prelims (58.02))

Notable

• The Toyota U.S. Open returned to a single-site format this year after being contested simultaneously across nine sites in 2020.

• Joyce qualified 14th in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:40.08. Then, she came back and won the B Final in a time of 2:36.19, taking nearly four seconds off of her prelim time.

• Stricklin claimed 23rd overall in 100-meter freestyle qualifying in 58.02 before scratching from the C Final.

• Joyce earned a spot in the C Final for the 100 breaststroke, but scratched in order to focus on Saturday’s 200 breaststroke event.

• Stricklin made her second straight appearance at the U.S. Open, as she competed in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke last year.

• This is the 11th season in a row that Liberty has had participants compete in USA Swimming national meets, and fifth time at a meet hosted in either November or December (also 2011, 2018, 2019, 2020).

• All athletes at this meet were attempting to earn qualifying times for the 2022 Phillips 66 National Championships, which will be held July 26-30 in Irvine, Calif.

Historically Speaking

• Joyce is the fifth swimmer in program history to score at a USA Swimming-sponsored national meet. Her ninth-place finish is the second best for a Lady Flame in national competition.

Liberty’s All-Time Scoring Performances at USA Swimming National Meets

2011 Winter Nationals – 50 freestyle – Brye Ravettine (17th place)

2013 U.S. Open – 100 breaststroke – Emilie Kaufman (13th place)

2017 Phillips 66 National Championships – 200 butterfly – Alicia Finnigan (t-10th place)

2018 Phillips 66 National Championships – 200 butterfly – Alicia Finnigan (10th place)

2018 Winter Nationals – 200 butterfly – Alicia Finnigan (5th place)

2019 Phillips 66 National Championships – 200 backstroke – Payton Keiner (14th place)

2021 Toyota U.S. Open – 200 breaststroke – Genna Joyce (9th place)

Up Next

Liberty’s next scheduled dual meet is Jan. 8, when the Lady Flames will compete at UNCW.