Eight Illini Contribute to Top-Ten Program Marks on Day Three of B1G Championships

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Illinois swim and dive completed day three of the Big Ten Championships on Friday evening, sitting in 14^th place, with 149.5 points.

In the 100 backstroke prelims, Michelle Kaner improved on her previous top-ten time of 54.10, swimming a 54.00 flat to move into third all-time at Illinois and qualify herself into the C final. Sophia Paduano swam a 54.50, matching her current best time that ranks seventh in the Illinois record book.

In the finals session, Kaner improved on her time once again, swimming a 53.83 to move in second all-time in program history.

On the three-meter boards, Elle Crisostomo, Elleka Boeres, and Matilda Garcia competed, with Crisostomo leading the way, scoring a 232.45. Boeres scored a 228.50, and Garcia a 218.60. 

The 400-medley relay team of Kaner, Duran, Diner, and Adler swam a 3:38.15 in the final event of the night, good for second all-time in Illinois history.

In Saturday evening's time trials, Isabella Wilhelm swam a 22.83 in the 50 freestyle, moving her up to third all-time in the Illinois record book. Martina Cibulkova (54.91) and Sophia Yousuf (55.18) also added new top-ten times in the 100 butterfly time trials. 

The Fighting Illini will finish the Big Ten Championships on Saturday, Feb. 21, beginning at 10 a.m. with swimming trials. Events for the final day include the 200 IM, 1,650 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 butterfly, 200 backstroke, 400 freestyle relay, and the platform dive. The Big Ten will also recognize its swim and dive seniors in a special ceremony at 4:50 p.m. The full day of events can be streamed on B1G+, or followed on MeetMobile. 

Top-Ten Program Marks

• Second, 100 backstroke: Michelle Kaner (53.83)
• Second, 400 medley relay: Michelle Kaner, Kayla Duran, Chloe Diner, Maggie Adler (3:38.15)
• Third, 50 freestyle: Isabella Wilhelm (22.83)
• Seventh, 100 backstroke: Sophia Paduano (54.50)
• Ninth, 100 butterfly: Martina Cibulkova (54.91)
• Tenth, 100 butterfly: Sophia Yousuf (55.18)

Personal Bests

• Michelle Kaner, 100 backstroke (53.83)
• Sophia Paduano, 100 backstroke (54.50)
• Isabella Wilhelm, 50 freestyle (22.83) (Time trial)
• Martina Cibulkova, 50 freestyle (23.23)
• Maggie Adler, 50 freestyle (23.32)
• Eva Allan, 50 freestyle (23.78)
• Kalina Nikolaeva, 100 back (55.19) (Time trial)
• Martina Cibulkova, 100 butterfly (54.91) (Time trial)
• Sophia Yousuf, 100 butterfly (55.18) (Time trial)
• Adelaide Reaser, 200 butterfly (2:02.61) (Time trial)