NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State swimming and diving team fought to the end of a tough battle Friday night, falling short to its conference foe, Northern Iowa. The Panthers defeated ISU 156-144.
Freshman swimmer Savannah Rubocki led the way for the Redbirds, earning three first-place finishes, while junior Rachel Root captured two first-place wins and senior Courtney Taylor had one first-place finish.
Rubocki raced to first place in the 100-yard freestyle event (10:38.82), the 500-yard freestyle event (5:08.80) and in the 200-yard individual medley earning a speedy time of 2:11.57 seconds.
Root flew past her competitors to earn a first place win in the 100-yard backstroke event (57.22) and also in the 200-yard backstroke event receiving a time of 2:05.68 seconds. Taylor won the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:56.91 seconds.
Head swimming coach Scott Cameron was happy with the way his team competed tonight.
"We knew that this was going to be a very close meet with a very good conference opponent," said Cameron. "There were some breakout swims and some swims that need some work; we are right where we need to be, at this point in the season."
Redbird diving also captured a first-place finish and head diving coach Phil Hoffmann was pleased with the team effort that was shown.
Senior diver Kelly Sanks won the three-meter diving event with a total point score of 252.30, earning nine points for Illinois State. Junior Molly Schatz earned a third-place finish in the one-meter diving event with a total point score of 234.59, earning three points for the Redbirds.
"We haven't competed in so long, it was great to get a meet under our belts," said Hoffmann. "What a great win for Kelly (Sanks). It was great to see a senior to win one of her last four events at Horton Pool."
The Redbirds will be back in action Jan. 22, hosting Evansville at their last home meet of the season.
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