The Gophers women's swimming and diving team won its second-consecutive Big Ten championship last month.  That effort has paid off.  

Minnesota has qualified 14 swimmers for the NCAA championships March 21-23 in Indianapolis, Ind.  That's the second most from one team, three behind Georgia.  

The group includes seven-time All-American and former NCAA champion Haley Spencer.  Three seniors, two juniors, six sophomores and three freshmen qualified.

Sophomores Kiera Janzen, Jessica Plant and Tori Simenec and freshmen Samantha Harding, Kierra Smith and Lauren Votata will make their first appearances at the NCAA championships.  

The Gophers qualified 11 swimmers for the NCAA championships last season and finished 11th.  Their best finish at the NCAA championships came in 2011 when they finished ninth.