Nov. 6, 2009
Complete Results 
NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois swimming and diving team defeated host Illinois State, 183-117 in action earlier tonight. With the win, the Illini improve to 5-1 on the season, while the Redbirds fall to 3-2. Senior Jen Ivarson led the way with a first-place finish in the 400 IM, clocking in at 4:29.24 to secure a new pool record.
"It was a very solid swim for Jen, considering she hasn't swam the 400 IM in almost a year and a half," head coach Sue Novitsky said. "She took control from the beginning, especially in her weakest stroke, the backstroke, and had a good lead and kept rolling through the race. It was good to see her finish strong and end with a very solid time."
Despite a slow start, the Illini captured 12 of 16 events, including top finishes in both relays and diving events. CeCe Marizu was victorious in the 200 medley relay (1:49.50) and 200 back (2:07.24), while Anna Johnson won the 100 free (53.63), Amy Forsberg took the 200 free (1:55.23) and April McKee placed first in the 100 fly (58.54). Also claiming first place for the Illini was Brittany McGowan in the 200 fly (2:06.35), Rachel Japp in the 100 breast (1:06.70) and Amy Johnson in the 200 breast (2:25.85).
On the boards, Lauren Wismer claimed both the one-meter and three-meter dives with scores of 282.82 and 283.35, respectively. She is now fourth all-time in the one-meter and eighth all-time in the three-meter.
"We were a little lethargic in the first seven events," Novitsky said. "We weren't as sharp and were just a little off on our turns and finishes. Things turned around when Lauren (Wismer) and Britni (Fisher) went one-two on the one-meter, and from then on, they were a lot more focused in competing and racing a lot better," Novitsky said.
The Illini will be back in action tomorrow afternoon, as they travel to Southern Illinois for a dual-meet contest beginning at 1 p.m.