Oct. 22, 2005

The University of Illinois Swimming and Diving team defeated Oakland 183-115 and Toledo 168-130 in Friday's tri-meet hosted by Oakland University. The Illini received victories from a host of swimmers on the night, including a best time from Kellie Stevens in the 500 free (5:06.92) claiming second just behind Britta Jansson who took first with a time of 5:04.18.

Despite a highway car crash that delayed the team until 3 a.m. in route to their hotel the team responded quite well.

"It was a good meet. I am proud of how we stepped up and were ready despite the adversity. We were defiantly the loudest team on the deck," commented head coach Sue Novitsky.

Along with her first place finish in the 500 free, Jansson captured first in the 200 free in a time of 1:54.36. Kellie Stevens followed coming third in the event (1:55.94) while Caroline Moore added a fourth place finish (1:56.15).

Barbie Viney also claimed two first place finishes in the 1000 free (10:18.96) and the 100 free (51.98).

Senior Kathryn Easey took the 100 breaststroke in 1:06.55 and the 200 breast in 2:23.87 with freshman Marissa Clapp right behind her taking second in 2:24.96.

In addition, Meghan Farrell and Christina Brunka finished 1-2 in the 50 free with times of 24.47 and 24.63 respectfully.

On the board, diver Jackie Bain placed fourth in the 3-meter (198.65) and freshman Marina Mendoza claimed fifth in the 1-meter (169.30).

The team splits up after today with the swimmers heading to the Northwestern Relays in Evanston, Ill and the divers to the UIC Invitational in Chicago, Illinois to compete on Sunday.