Jan. 21, 2005

Evanston, Ill. -

Illinois-N'western results in PDF Format
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Illinois did not have enough in the tank as they fell to the Northwestern Wildcats in Evanston 173-136. The Illini are currently battling through a tough travel stretch where they have competed in California, South Bend, Evanston and Iowa City tomorrow, all in the past two weeks. Illinois falls to 3-5 on the season and 0-3 in conference.

"We weren't exactly sharp tonight," Head Coach Sue Novitsky. "I thought we came in a little flat and didn't execute like we need to. We've been on the road a lot recently and this weekend is no different. I think we are tired at this point, we will get some needed rest tonight and come back tomorrow and compete hard against a good Iowa team."

Senior Kirsten Koepcke was the main bright spot for the Illini, winning both the 500 and 1000 breast. Koepcke won the 500 free in a time of 5:01.38 and the 1000 breast in 10:10.92. The senior was the only double-winner for the Illini in the meet.

Christina Brunka was the only other individual winner for the Illini as she captured the 100 fly in 56.70. Sophomore Barbie Viney had a trio of second place finishes in the 50, 100 and 200 free. Senior Trisha Lakatos followed with the runner-up theme in the 100 and 200 breast.

The Illini relays came away with another win as they took the 200 medley relay in a time of 1:47.32 with a group that included Mallory Craft, Meghan Farrell, Brunka and Lakatos.

Sophomore Jackie Bain came away with a strong performances in diving tonight as she finished second in the 3-meter dive with 230.63 points and was fourth in the 1-meter with 213.15. Freshman Abbey Bernardo reversed the results in both events as she was second in the 1-meter dive taking 227.85 points and finished fourth in the 3-meter with 215.63.

The Illini will not be down for long as they travel to Iowa City tomorrow to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes at 1 p.m. CST.