Vandenberg moves on to 100 butterfly semifinals

It was no surprise to see former UCLA All-American Kim Vandenberg start slowly in the first 50 of the women's 100-meter butterfly, as the 24-year-old is one of the best in the country at closing in the second half of the race.

But Vandenberg put herself in a precarious position Sunday in the 18th and final heat of the butterfly prelims by turning last at the midway point, before rallying to finish sixth and move on to tonight's semifinals with the 12th-fatest mark of 59.57 seconds.

NCAA champion Christine Magnuson of Tennessee recorded the fastest prelim time of 57.84, leading the field of 16 qualifiers for the semifinal heats. Natalie Coughlin, the American record-holder at 57.34, didn't compete in the prelims.

Vandenberg will likely have to shave off a half-second or more in tonight's race to move on to Monday night's finals.

Crescenta Valley of La Crescenta senior Yumi So clocked 1:02.39 to finish 98th out of 137.

Susan Von Der Lippe, the oldest competitor at the trials at 42, finished 105th in 1:02.47.