Oct. 16, 2004

Illinois-Louisville results in PDF Format
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Champaign, Ill. - The University of Illinois Swimming and Diving team finally had a meet that counted today as they officially opened the 2004-05 season by defeating Louisville 171-119. Illinois received wins from a slew of swimmers, nine to be exact, only Meghan Farrell had multiple individual victories.

"I thought we were focused and competed very well throughout the entire event," Head Coach Sue Novitsky said. "It was good to see some people step up in some different events to give us an idea of where we are at. The divers showed good consistency and performed very well today. I think we are in good shape with our training now and will continue to improve in some areas that need work this week before Illinois State."

In the 200 medley relay, the Illini placed first and second, posting a solid start to the meet. The group of Farrell, Kathryn Easey, Christina Brunka, and Barbie Viney swam to a mark of 1:47.80, just beating out the team of Caroline Moore, Michelle Grandcolas, Becca Poetz and Trisha Lakatos with a time of 150.44. Koepcke then followed with a 1000 free victory in the second event, posting a time of 10:30.10.

The Orange and Blue's only double-winner was Farrell, who took the 50 and 100 free with times of 24.79 and 53.58 respectively. The freshman, Viney grabbed her first win of the season in the 500 free as she touched the wall in 4:57.24. Lakatos, who is looking to step us this year got off to a great start as she captured the 100 breast in 1:07.04. Other winners included Jessica Rothenberg (200 fly), Moore (200 free), Meghan Bradley (100 back) and Mallory Craft (200 back).

The divers enjoyed a strong showing despite finishing second and third in both the 1 and 3-meter diving competitions. Sophomore Jackie Bain finished second in the 1-meter dive as she posted a score of 211.40, just edging teammate Abbey Benardo score of 210.45. Roles were reversed in the 3-meter dive as the freshman Benardo claimed second place with 201.38, while Bain finished third with 199.80 points.

Illinois will hit the road again as they travel to Normal, Ill. to face the Illinois State Redbirds on Saturday at 7 p.m. CST.