Oct. 16, 2009

Complete Results

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Fighting Illini swimming and diving team was victorious in action earlier tonight, defeating host Michigan State, 163-137 at McCaffree Pool. With the win, the Orange and Blue improve to 2-0 on the year.

"We were tied three-fourths of the way through, so those last two events were huge for us," head coach Sue Novitsky said. "But we stayed tough and pulled it out."

Junior Meghan Mason had a stellar night for the Illini, winning the 100 free (52.28), 200 free (1:53.51) and she also was part of the winning 400 free relay (3:30.56). Senior Kristen Kloeckener was also part of the winning 400 free relay and swam to first place in the 500 free (5:08.70), while freshman Erin Rodriguez picked up her first collegiate win in the 200 IM (2:09.25).

Novitsky was pleased with the overall team effort, as the Illini claimed the top three spots in multiple events.

"We had a lot of different people stepping up in different places tonight," Novitsky said. "This win was a total team effort."

The squad returns to action tomorrow at noon, as it travels to Rochester, Mich. to take on Oakland and Toledo in its first tri-meet of the season.