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Duke University freshman swimmer Ali Pfaff, a 2023 Rockbridge County High School graduate, broke the school record in the 200-meter backstroke to finish second in the championship finals heat, clocking a time of 1:53.48 at the Wolfpack Invitational on Nov. 18 at the Greensboro Aquatic Center.
During her high school career, Pfaff won four individual state titles. In July, Pfaff qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials, achieving the qualifying time when she won the 100-meter backstroke at the Virginia State Swimming Senior Champs meet.
VMI’s Eller Recognized
The Southern Conference announced its November athletes of the month on Tuesday of last week, as Virginia Military Institute senior football player Evan Eller was named defensive player of the month.
Eller, who went to Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville, capped off his VMI career in a big way, helping lead VMI to a 2-1 record in November, including a 27-24 upset win over No. 14 Western Carolina in the final game of the regular season on Nov. 18 in Lexington. VMI ended the season with a record of 5-6.
A linebacker, Eller was all over the field in November, totaling 29 tackles, an interception, a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble in three contests. Eller opened the month with a four-tackle, one quarterback hurry performance in a 31-24 road win over East Tennessee State University on Nov. 4 and followed up with 9.0 tackles at No. 2 Furman on Nov. 11.
Eller saved perhaps his best for last, with a monster 16-tackle performance in a win over 14th-ranked Western Carolina on Nov. 18. Additionally, Eller had a forced fumble and registered his first career interception in the win, earning All-SoCon Weekly honors.
On Nov. 21, Eller was named to the All-So-Con First Team Media, and All-SoCon Second Team coaches. Overall, Eller finished the season second in the league in tackles with a career-high 107, ranking 16th in the nation in that category (9.7 tackles per game).
