NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State swimming and diving team came-up short in a double dual against Illinois and host Southern Illinois Saturday, falling to the Salukis, 200-96, and the Illini, 208-91. Illinois also topped the Salukis, 166-134.
Illinois State head swimming coach Scott Cameron says he is happy with progress hi team is making.
"Overall I'm pleased with our performance. We've made some good progress throughout this past month, and it was good to see the team race against some great competition," said Cameron. "There are still things we can improve on, and that is exciting, as we prepare for our mid-year invite meet."
Rachel Root swam to a first place finish in the 100-yard backstroke event with a time of 57.63 seconds. Root also earned a third place finish in the 200-yard backstroke event (2:07.81), while Karley Licking was right behind her, earning fourth (2:08.10). Courtney Taylor raced to a second place finish in the 200-yard breaststroke event (2:24.69) and also earned a third place finish in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:10.05.
Phil Hoffmann, Illinois State head diving coach, said he was happy to see his team compete after two weeks off.
Kelsey Toland competed in her first 3-meter collegiate diving event and earned a total of 177.35 points, placing sixth. Toland earned another sixth place in the 1-meter diving event, with a total point score of 194.65, while Kristen Larson finished in seventh place with a score of 149.75.
"I was really happy with Kelsey's (Toland) first 3-meter collegiate event and it was great to get Kristen (Larson) back on the boards after surgery," said Hoffmann. "I am looking forward to getting the entire team back in competition at the Louisville Invite in a few weeks."
The Illinois State swimming and diving team returns to action Nov. 20-22 at the Louisville Invite.
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