SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Illinois State swimming and diving team scored a third-place team finish at the Dennis Stark Relays, hosted by Notre Dame, Friday afternoon.
The Redbirds totaled 138 points ahead of Olivet Nazarene (92). Ohio State won the meet (194), while host Notre Dame took second (184).
Outstanding swims were made by Kristin Verkler, Cecilia Holmes, Marissa Yontz, Rachel Root, Samantha Schuckles, and Katie Breger. Verkler led off the second place 2x500-yard freestyle relay (10:21.92) with a personal best time in of 5:13.19 and Holmes finished with a split of 5:08.84. Yontz had three fantastic swims leading off the 200-yard freestyle relay (24.04), 800-yard freestyle relay (1:54.16) and 400-yard freestyle relay (51.80). Root, Schuckles and Breger also had an impressive first meet with solid swims representing Illinois State.
Coach Steve Paska said he was pleased with his team's performance on Friday.
"This was a tremendous way to start the season as we witnessed a number of our girls swim a number of events," Paska said. "Considering the girls swam anywhere from 2-5 relays, they maintained great focus throughout. This meet was a positive sign as we head into the season competing at dual meets and championship meets as well."
Redbird diving pair Molly Schatz and Wenting Zhang finished second in the 1-meter competition with a score of 522.29. In the 3-meter synchronized competition, Kristen Larson and Schatz took second with a score of 137.85.
"Anytime you leave your home pool it is a great learning experience," Hoffmann said. "Tonight was a good showing. I look forward to our performance at home in a week as well as our tri-meet against Illinois and Southern Illinois in two weeks."
The Redbirds will be back to compete at home Friday, Oct. 17, against Truman State. The meet with the Bulldogs will begin at 4 p.m. in Horton Pool.
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