Feb. 19, 2004

Minneapolis, Minn. - The University of Illinois swimming and diving team wrapped up the second day of competition Thursday night at the University of Minnesota. Illinois remains in 10th place with 42 points. Illinois broke its third school record of the meet Thursday night in the 200 free relay.

"I thought we came out a little stronger today," Novitsky said. "We're still a little timid, but I feel we are close to where we want to be."

The Illini only had to races on the night with Crystal McAdam in the consolation final in the 200 IM and the 200 free relay. McAdam finished 15th in the 200 IM with a time of 2:05.35, nearly a second and a half slower than her preliminary time of 2:03.87.

The future is bright for the Illini, as they displayed their youth in the 200 free relay with three freshmen and a sophomore. Barbie Viney, Christina Brunka, Rebecca Poetz, and Meghan Farrell finished with a school record time of 1:33.72 and also registered as a NCAA "B" cut.

"Breaking three school records is a great sign that we are taking steps in the right direction," Novitsky said. "Hopefully we will continue to take more of these steps and race at another level."

In diving action, the Illini didn't get out of the gates like they would have liked with senior Lisa Fish and freshman Jackie Bain. Bain, finished with a strong Big Ten debut with a score of 200.80 and a 28th place finish. Fish, who has enjoyed a great season so far had a disappointing 33rd place finish (178.25).

Illinois returns to action in the preliminary heats of the following events on Friday morning: the 400 IM, 100 fly, 200 free, 100 breast and 100 back at 11:00 A.M., EST. Prelims of the 3-meter diving competition will begin at 1:00 P.M, EST.