Costella has strong finish at International Swim Meet in Portland

Lauren Costella of the Carson Tigersharks has set herself up for a strong finish at the Junior International Swim Meet in Portland.

Costella set two more team records Saturday, placing f ourth in the 200-meter individual medley and second in the 400 freestyle. Competing at a 25-meter pool, Costella finished the 200 I.M. in two minutes, 19.55 seconds.

Tigershark Coach Jack Simon said Costella broke her personal best by a "considerable amount" in the event. In a close finish, British Columbia's Michelle Landry won the event in 2:19.01.

The finish in the 400 free was even closer. Costella lost by just .06 seconds. British Columbia's Haley Doody won in 4:18.16 while Costella finished in 4:18.22.

Costella will compete in the 800 free today. She is the defending champion in the event. On Friday, Costella set a team record in the meet for girls 16 and under when she placed second in the 400 I.M.

"She's swimming well," Simon said. "I think this puts her in a good position to hopefully win the 800 freestyle."

Justin Barber and Ryan Hudson also competed Saturday in the 400 free Saturday in the meet for boys 18 and under. Barber and Hudson are among the top eight qualifiers for today's final heat in the 1,500 free.

Top swimmers from across the world are competing in the meet.