Jan. 16, 2010

Final Stats

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Despite rallying from 18 points down, the Illini swimming and diving team (6-3) came up just short, falling 150.5-149.5 at Iowa earlier today. Freshman Erin Rodriguez led the team with two first-place finishes and personal-best times in the 200 butterfly (2:05.74) and 200 individual medley (2:07.58).

"After the first eight events, we were down 18 points and were able to close the gap to 13 before taking our only lead of the meet," head coach Sue Novitsky said. "Each team had to win the last event (400 free relay) to win the meet and we just couldn't quite pull it out."

Senior CeCe Marizu placed first in the 200 backstroke with a season-best time of 2:03.55, while personal-best times were recorded by sophomore April McKee in the 200 breaststroke (2:23.66) and senior Kelly Smithwick in the 1000 free (10:33.12).

Several Illini also set season bests including Marizu in the 100 backstroke (57.63), sophomore Brittany McGowan in the 100 butterfly (56.95), the 200 medley relay team (1:47.02) of Marizu, Amy Johnson, McGowan, and Kristen Manias and the 400 free relay team (3:29.77) of Manias, Anna Johnson, Erin Lamb, and McGowan.

Sophomore diver Britni Fisher was the top finisher for the Orange and Blue in the one-meter dive (256.58), while senior Nikki Spillone led the Illini in the three-meter (248.33).

"Overall, it was a great atmosphere and was very exciting," Novitksy said. "I'm proud of the way the girls fought back and kept their focus and awareness and fought to the end."

The Illini return home next Saturday, Jan. 23 to host in-state rival Illinois State in their final home meet of the season at 12 p.m. at the ARC.