MIAMI, Fla. – The Illinois swimming and diving program defeated Florida International University (FIU) by a score of 229.5-218.5 on Saturday Nov. 5. The Illini trailed 117.5-106.5 after day one, but rallied on day two outscoring FIU 123-101.

BETWEEN THE LANES

The Illini swimmers started the day off hot with a 1-2-3-4 finish in the 1000 freestyle: freshman Liv Dorshorst (10:11.78), junior Cara Bognar, senior Jeanri Buys (10:31.01) and senior Isabelle Packard (10:48.15) respectively. Seniors Sydney Stoll and Kaleigh Haworth followed up with a first (57.85) and third (59.23) finish respectively in the 100 IM. Haworth also finished second in the 100 breaststroke (1:04.07), freshman Sara Jass touched third (1:06.36). Stoll also won the 200 backstroke (2:04.91).

In the 400 IM Bognar placed second (4:22.78) and Jass third (4:25.18). The 200 freestyle relay team of Isabelle Guerra, Laurel Bludgen, Lily Olson, and Logan Kuehne toped the podium (1:34.07).

Sophomore Suvana Baskar touched first in the 50 backstroke (26.61) and senior Athena Salafatinos third (26.70).  Salafatinos placed second (2:05.82) in the 200 backstroke as well. Junior Laurel Bludgen earned second place in the 100 freestyle (53.05).

Senior Isabelle Guerra registered a first-place finish in the 100 butterfly (56.80) followed by freshman Alexis Wendel in second (57.15).

ON THE BOARDS

Junior Taylor Michael led the way for the Illini divers on the one-meter, she placed third (279.15) and sixth (256.13) on the three-meter. Freshman Abby Manos led all Illini divers on the three-meter she placed third (264.5) and fourth on the one-meter (271.20). Micheal and Manos both posted scores over 270 points on the one-meter, qualifying for NCAA Zones earning a chance to qualify for NCAA Nationals. 

UP NEXT

The swimming Illini are off for about a month. Their next competition is at the Iowa Diving Invitational from December 1-3.