By Dan D’Addona
For AnnArbor.com

OMAHA, Neb. -- The U.S. Olympic Swim Trials didn’t start the way Kara Lynn Joyce hoped.

Bidding for her third Olympic team, Joyce finished 18th in the 100-meter freestyle preliminaries Friday morning at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb.

The Pioneer High School graduate finished in 55.49 seconds and will be left out of the semifinals (top 16) unless two swimmers scratch the race Friday night.

“It’s not my best work,” Joyce said. “It was tough. I did my best. It is a very strong field. The U.S. needs the best relay it can possibly get. I would love to be a part of that, but I know it will be a great relay.”

The trials began Monday but this was the first swim for the four-time Olympic medalist..

“The first swim is tough. My legs kind of gave out going down the stairs afterward,” Joyce said. “But I have more events to go. I can’t dwell on it.”

Canton native Allison Schmitt took the second spot and advanced (54.49), finishing behind Dana Vollmer (54.35).

Schmitt already made the Olympic team for London by winning the 400- and 200-meter freestyles. She set an American record in the 200 freestyle.

“I am really happy with how I have been doing,” Schmitt said. “I have worked really hard this year. I am happy to see myself (moving on). It is definitely a stacked event, but it is my first time advancing in the 100 freestyle.”

The top 16 swim in the semifinals Friday night with the top eight moving on to Saturday night’s final.