Barber, Costella strong at U.S. Open

Justin Barber and Lauren Costella of the Carson Tigersharks both turned in impressive efforts on Thursday at the U.S. Open swim meet in Minneapolis.

More than 500 swimmers -- many of who are national team members and Olympians -- are competing in the meet.

Barber qualified 18th for the finals in the 200-meter individual medley, swimming to a personal best of two minutes, 11.70 seconds. He went on to lower his personal best to 2:10.72 in finishing 18th in the finals.

Barber came into the event seeded 27th. Tigershark coach Jim Puleo said he was impressed with Barber's effort since the event was used as a tuneup for the 400 I.M.

Costella swam to a personal best of 4:20.12 in qualifying fifth for the 400 freestyle finals. Costella has a time of 4:19.19 for a 400 split in the 800 free, but her 4:20.12 was a personal best in the 400 free.

After making a "couple of minor technical mistakes," Puleo said, Costella settled for eighth in the finals in 4:21.65. Puleo said he was impressed with Costella's effort since she came into the meet unrested.

Today, Barber and Costella will swim in the 400 I.M. and Tara Theilemann will swim in the 200 free for the Tigersharks. The meet concludes on Saturday.