Redbirds Top SIU, Fall to Illinois in Double-Dual Action

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Illinois State swimming and diving team topped Missouri Valley Conference opponent Southern Illinois, 157-143, on Saturday, before falling to Big Ten opponent Illinois, 200-100, in double-dual action.

Reigning MVC Swimmer of the Week Kierston Farley-Sepe had yet another great weekend in the water, winning both the 200-yard fly (2:04.11) and the 100-yard freestyle (53.83). Jensen Keck captured an impressive top placement in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:06.13, and swimmer Morgan Clark took second in the 50-yard freestyle (24.70), earning more points for the Redbirds. 

The Redbird relay teams also captured impressive finishes, with both teams coming in second in their respective relays. The 200-yard medley relay team consisting of Molly Hill, Clark, Farley-Sepe and Keck clocked a time of 1:47.80, while Alyssa Reinholz, Mary Kate Tillotson, Clark and Hill's group captured a time of 3:36.67 in the 400-yard freestyle relay. 

"We are very proud of how the team competed today," said head swimming coach Scott Cameron. "There was a lot of tough swims throughout the meet, but the team did a great job of making adjustments from one event to the next and fought for every spot. Meets like today will only make us tougher as we progress throughout the season, and I'm excited about the direction we are headed."

The Redbirds also had multiple swimmers place third in their respective events in the double dual. Julie Kolar placed third in the 200-yard backstroke (2:09.06), as Keck was the third swimmer to touch the wall in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:23.58) and Farley-Sepe in the 400-yard IM (4:33.97). 

Caroline Lecoeur led the way for the Redbirds on the boards, finishing fifth in both the 1-meter (239.05) and 3-meter (242.60) events.

"The divers each did a good job of working through some adversity today," said head diving coach Phil Hoffmann. "This will help make us better. It was a perfect meet for us to see where we can improve and how we can get better moving forward. We were glad to have helped earn some valuable points for the team." 

Illinois State returns to the pool, and Bloomington-Normal area, next weekend, when it takes on Lewis and cross-town opponent Illinois Wesleyan. The double dual is set for Friday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. at Fort Natatorium.

Fans can receive live updates and more by following @RedbirdSwim on Twitter.

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.