Despite six season bests and two personal best times, the Illinois State swimming and diving team fell to a well balanced Iowa State team 136 to 85 at Horton Pool.
Leading the charge for the Redbirds was senior Angie Rawlins who placed second in the 200 breast with a time of 2:27.02, just behind Iowa States Petra Plaminkova who set a pool record in the event. Rawlins also had a season best in the 200 IM with a time of 2:12.34.
Freshman Monique Witkowski had a season best time of 25.11 in the 50 free and was just out-reached at the wall by Cyclone Rena Kelinson who captured first.
Other bests were claimed by Heather Norris in the 500 free and Dede Woytowich in the 200 free. Brittany Armstrong and Julie Schultz each set personal bests in the 200 breast with times of 2:36.84 and 2:35.07, respectively.
Diver Terra Whisman placed high up in the ranks for the Redbirds by capturing second on the 1-meter board and third on the 3-meter board. Diving coach Laura Segerlin was happy with the composure of her divers.
They stood up to the pressure of a Big-12 school, especially for a young group, said Segerlin. There was a lot of pressure and expectations, and they handled it well.
Another highlight for the Birds was the 400 medley relay where Stefanie Starck, Rawlins, Julie Cocks and Witkwoski teamed up and placed second with a time of 4:03.75, which was right behind the Cycones time of 4:02.86.
Illinois State head coach
Steve Paska is pleased with how his team performed against such a competitive Iowa State squad.
We didnt back down and we had a good meet and were able to accomplish some things, said Paska. Our goal is to have everyone come together and gel, and I can guarantee this team will be ready to swim next Saturday against Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
The Redbirds stay at home again next weekend as they take on Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Saturday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m.
