Nov. 13, 2005

After back to back meets on the road last week the Illini came out strong in their single meet this weekend, blanking Illinois State 172-128 and handing the Redbirds their first dual meet loss on the season. Although on the road the Illini swam like they owned the pool setting two pool records and taking twelve first place finishes.

Despite slow starts in the beginning of the season, the Illini came out right from the start, taking the first event, the 200 yd. medley relay consisting of Meghan Farrell, Kathryn Easey, Christina Brunka and Barbie Viney in record pool time of 1:48.42.

Seniors Britta Jansson and Kathryn Easey nabbed two first place finishes along with always consistent, Barbie Viney and freshman standout Marissa Clapp. Jansson took the 200 fly (2:08.47) and 500 free (5:04.95) and Easey added wins in the 200 breast (2:24.35) and 200 IM (2:12.91). Viney captured the 200 and 100 free in 1:52.40 and 51.41 respectfully while Clapp dominated in the 100 breast (1:07.23) and 200 back (2:11.54).

Other first place finishers included Farrell in the 50 free (24.32) and Christina Brunka in the 100 fly (58.38).

The Illini finished their rout of the Redbirds by setting another pool record of 3:32.62 in the 200 free relay, consisting of Farrell, Katie Theissen, Brunka and Viney.

Jackie Bain led the Illinois divers by taking fourth place in the 1-meter. Marina Mendoza and Abbey Bernardo finished behind in fifth and sixth place respectfully.

Head coach Sue Novitsky was very pleased with the win.

"I think we came out very competitive and executed well. I have been on the team to step it up and finish their races strong. Today they did just that."

Next up, the Illini divers travel to Indiana for the Indiana Invitational next Friday November 18th. The Illinois swimmers have a break before they hit the waters December 2nd in the Ohio State Invitational.