Jan. 21, 2006
The Illini traveled to Iowa City today to face off in a duel meet against the University of Missouri and the hosting Iowa Hawkeyes. In a sew-saw battle, the Illini overtook Iowa 169 to 130, but could not overcome Missouri, 166 to 129.
This season the Illini have been struggling to find their intensity at the beginning of meets but it seemed today they found no problem showing their desire and focus touching out their competitors at the wall for precious finishes and points.
"We defiantly had our best start of the year. This was a really exciting meet because everyone contributed," commented Head Coach Sue Novitsky.
Freshman, Lindsey Shirley put the Illini on the board first with her third place finish in the grueling 1000 free in 10:32.27. Then, Barbie Viney (1:51.35) and Katie Theissen (1:54.99) added first and fourth place finishes respectfully in the 200 free. Viney later went on to sweep the sprint freestyle, taking first in the 50 and 100 free. Her time of 50.56 in the 100 free broke a pool record (set by her last year) and was under NCAA `B' cut time. Meghan Farrell was right behind her, taking fourth in the 50 free (24.17) and then fourth again in the 100 free in 53.29.
Marissa Clapp had two first place finishes on the day, taking the 200 breast in a time of 2:19.22 in addition to first place honors in the 200 IM (2:07.60). Clapp also added a third place finish in the 100 breast (1:06.51). Other top finishes included a first place finish in the 100 fly by senior Christina Brunka in 57.30 and second place finish in the 500 free by senior Britta Jansson (5:01.96).
The Illini finished just as strongly as they started, taking first in the 400 free relay (3:28.59) that included Farrell, Rebecca Poetz, Brunka and Viney with Illinois' B free relay team consisting of Jansson, Grandcolas, Meghan Connor and Kellie Stevens taking third.
Diver Marina Mendoza added to the team's efforts with sixth place finishes in both the 1-meter and 3-meter. Jackie Bain took seventh in each event as well.
The Illini head to Minneapolis next week to compete in the Big Ten Quad. Competition starts Friday and goes into Saturday.
