COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Fighting Illini swimming and diving team came away with a strong performance on day two of the Big Ten Championships, producing a number of lifetime best times, as well as two times that qualify for the NCAA B Cut standard. The Illini also got a big contribution from junior diver Ling Kuhn, who became the first Illini diver to score at the Big Ten Championships since Britni Fisher in 2010.
"It was great to see the team overcome some nervous swims on the first night," said head coach Sue Novitsky." Autumn Ledgin kicked off the session dropping over 16 seconds off of her seed time and finishing in a lifetime best time. Ling Kuhn scored for the first time in her career on one meter. She fought back from a rough second round and dove with such great composure. We have a lot of positives to build on for tomorrow."
The Orange and Blue got things started with the 500 freestyle and sophomore Monica Guyett led the way, posting a time of 4:54.48. Also competing in the event were sophomore Emily Martin and junior Autumn Ledgin, who posted times of 4:57.97 and 5:18.21, respectively. Next up was the 200 individual medley, which was highlighted by NCAA B Cut times from both freshman Michelle McCord (2:00.58) and senior Samantha Stratford (2:00.45).
In the next event of the meet, the 50 freestyle, the Illini posted six season-best times, including three lifetime bests. Freshman Emma Curtis touched the wall in a time of :23.40, good for the top time of the season for the Illini in the event. Sophomore Jamie Kolar (:24.37), senior Sascha Meyers (:24.72) and junior Aby Olson (:24.42) all came away with lifetime best times, while sophomore Molly Hein (:25.25) and senior Adelaide Curry (:24.50) produced season bests.
On the Boards
The Illini got a strong performance from junior diver Ling Kuhn, who placed 22nd on one-meter diving with a total of 261.10. In her first showing at the championships, freshman Emma Burns posted a 185.00, which placed her 51st in the event.
The Illini will be back in the pool tomorrow beginning with the preliminary rounds of the 100 butterfly, 400 individual medley, 200 freestyle, 100 breaststroke and 100 backstroke.
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