Oct. 10, 2008
Complete Results
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Fighting Illini returned to their home pool in style, defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 171-129, at the ARC on Friday afternoon. In their first home meet in four years, the Illini grabbed nine first-place finishes out of 16 events.
"Overall, I was ecstatic with the team's attitude and enthusiasm this past week leading up to the meet," head coach Sue Novitsky said. "Today, they competed with intensity and fire. We had told them that no matter what the outcome was, that we wanted them to come in and compete, so I am very pleased with how we performed today."
Senior Marissa Clapp started off her final year strong with three event titles in the 100 breast (1:05.86), 200 breast (2:18.61) and 200 IM (2:05.60). Her time in the 200 IM broke the ARC pool record and cracked the all-time top-ten list.
"At the beginning of the season we talked with Marissa about what she could accomplish this year and we talked about breaking that pool record specifically," Novitsky said. "To see her accomplish that in the first meet is outstanding, and now she gets to see her name up on the wall for the rest of the year."
Freshman Laura Adrian made her collegiate debut with an event title in the 100 back (57.65), making her the ninth-fastest in school history. Senior Ali Keehn took three out of four event titles in the 100 fly (56.85), 200 fly (2:05.65) and 200 medley relay (1:47.20) with teammates Corey Kasten, CeCe Marizu and Meghan Mason. Keehn's time in the 100 fly (56.85) also ranks in the top ten in school history.
The ARC pool was filled with fans excited to be cheering on the Fighting Illini at their first home meet in four years.
"The crowd and the energy they brought to the team today was fantastic," Novitsky said. "We are thankful for their support and hope to see them back here next week."
The Orange and Blue jump back into the pool next weekend for a two-day meet against Michigan State at the ARC pool. The first session on Thursday, Oct. 16, will begin at 5 p.m. and the second session on Friday, Oct. 17, will begin at 3 p.m.
