Feb. 5, 2010

Results

MINNEAPOLIS - The Illinois swimming and diving team recorded several lifetime-best times Friday evening in the first day of action at the Minnesota Challenge, competing in the 200 free relay and 50 and 500 freestyle. Personal bests were set by Lauren Frendreis in the 50 free (24.39) and Courtney Spivak in the 500 free (5:15.71), while in the 200 free relay, Frendreis, Paige Wachholz, Morgan Gilman, and Sara Stoneburg clocked in at 1:38.88 to finish in second place.

"The relay team got us off to a great start at the beginning of the meet," head coach Sue Novitsky said. "Courtney Spivak followed in the 500 freestyle with one of the best swims of her career. She went out strong and kept a solid pace on her way to dropping over 10 seconds off her previous best time. The sprinters in the 50 freestyle came off the turn strong and turned in some improved times. The strong start will really help us carry some momentum into tomorrow's events. It is going to be a tough day and important for us to focus on one event at a time."

Action at the Minnesota Challenge continues tomorrow at noon, with the finals scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.