Aug. 19, 2004

ATHENS, Greece - Natalie Coughlin continued to lead all Cal athletes at the 2004 Athens Games on Day 6 with a bronze medal in the 100-meter freestyle. The three-time NCAA Swimmer of the Year also has won two gold medals (100 back, 4x200m relay) and one silver (4x100m relay). Duje Draganja joined Coughlin as one of the Golden Bears' other stars. Here's a closer look at how Cal athletes performed on Thursday. Women's Swimming
Coughlin clocked a time of 54.40 in the final of the 100-meter freestyle to claim the bronze medal for the United States. Her four medals are the most won by a Cal women at one Olympics. Australia's Jodie Henry, who set a world record yesterday, won the gold with a time of 53.84. If the United States earns a spot in Saturday's 4x100-meter medley relay final, Coughlin will shoot for her fifth Olympic medal. She is not expected to compete in the heats of the event tomorrow. Cal head coach Teri McKeever is an assistant coach for the U.S. women's swimming team. 100-meter freestyle final Men's Swimming
Alum Bart Kizierowski (Poland) led a group of Cal swimmers in the 50-meter freestyle heats. A member of the class of 2000, Kizierowski tied for the third-fastest time at 22.26 to qualify for the semifinals. Senior Duje Draganja (Croatia) also advanced with the fifth-fastest time (22.28). Sophomore Rolandis Gimbutis (Lithuania) was 21st in 22.59, while junior Milorad Cavic (Serbia and Montenegro) was 31st (23.05). Draganja earned the last of eight spots in Friday's final by clocking a time of 22.19 in the semifinals. Kizierowski fell just short in ninth (22.22). 50-meter freestyle semifinals 50-meter freestyle heats Men's Basketball
Alum Sean Marks (1995-98) helped New Zealand to a come-from-behind 90-87 victory over Serbia and Montenegro in Group A preliminary competition. Marks posted 10 points, five rebounds, one steal and one block in another start for his homeland. New Zealand trailed 66-55 heading into the fourth quarter. New Zealand vs. Serbia and Montenegro Box Score Softball
Greece lost to the United States, 7-0, after the mercy rule was applied after five innings. Junior Lindsay James started and was 0-for-2 in two at bats. Greece tallied only one hit in the contest. Cal head coach Diane Ninemire is an assistant coach for the Greek team. Greece vs. USA Box Score Japan defeated Italy, 1-0, in another preliminary-round game. Alum Nicole DiSalvio (1998-01), who is competing in her second Olympics, came on in relief for Italy to pitch 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Italy vs. Japan Box Score Men's Rowing
Luke Walton (Cal alum) and Artour Samsonov finished fifth in the B pairs final for an 11th-place finish overall. The crew sat in fourth position for much of the race before dropping to fifth in the final 500 meters. The duo finished with a time of 6:30.49. Great Britain won the B final. B Final Results Looking Ahead
Here's a sample of what's on tap for Cal athletes on Friday, Aug. 20: Alum Joy Fawcett leads the U.S. women's soccer team in the quarterfinals against Japan. The game can be seen live at 8 a.m. PT on MSNBC and Telemundo. Swimmer Duje Draganja pursues his first Olympic medal in the final of the 50-meter freestyle. Lindsay James looks to lead Greece against Australia in softball. In women's water polo action, the United States faces Russia. Alums Ericka Lorenz and Heather Petri look to help Team USA rebound from a 6-5 loss to Canada on Wednesday.