Nov. 7, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Iowa men and women’s swimming and diving teams competed against Minnesota this evening at the University Aquatic Center. The Iowa men were defeated 195-92 by the Gophers, while the Iowa women fell 185.5 -110.5. With the conclusion of tonight’s competition, the men currently have a 3-1 overall record this season and are 2-1 in the Big Ten. The women sit at 3-2 overall and are 1-2 in the Big Ten.
The Hawkeye women swam with intensity against the 12th-ranked Gopher women, claiming first place in four separate events. Deidre Freeman, Daniela Cubelic, and Christine Kuczek all claimed individual first place finishes tonight for Iowa. Freeman was untouchable in both diving events, capturing first in the one meter (289.50) and the three meter (256.95) events. Teammate Veronica Ryzde also had a strong night for the Hawkeye divers, placing second behind Freeman in both diving events.
Cubelic gave Iowa another first place finish in the 100 back, touching the wall in 56.72 seconds. The fourth event win was earned by Kuczek in the 100 freestyle. For the third consecutive meet Kuczek took first in the event, winning tonight’s race in a time of 51.45.
The Iowa men fought hard against 10th ranked Minnesota tonight, swimming in many close races. Jake Moore took second place in the 100 freestyle with a time of 47.81 and Mike Gilligan represented the divers with a solid second place effort in the three meter competition, scoring 306.15. Iowa’s 200 medley relay team of Max Dittmer, Matt Ryan, James Dragon and Sean Hagan swam hard and finished third in the event (1:34.05) against heavy competition from the Gophers.
The Iowa men and women will return to competition at the Missouri Invite Dec. 5-7. The three day competition will take place at the Mizzou Aquatics Center and will the Hawkeyes first invitational of the season.