CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Iowa women’s swimming and diving team won five events in Saturday’s Big Ten Conference road dual at Illinois. The Illini claimed the meet, 204-87.
“This was an excellent team effort against a Big Ten opponent today,” said head coach Nathan Mundt. “The swimmers and divers embraced the opportunity to compete after a few weeks away from competition.
“This is a great step for us to win events against a Big Ten team.”
The Hawkeyes started strong with a string of first-place finishes. Junior Anna Brooker won the 1,000 free with a season-best time of 10:37.15 and junior Kennedy Gilbertson tied her 100-back season-best (56.61) in her first-place finish. Gilbertson also placed first in the 100-free with a time of 52.66.
Diving had another successful meet with a strong performance sophomore Sarah Ballard. The Indiana native placed first in both the 1-meter (306.30) and 3-meter (294.15) springboards. Sophomore Claire Hartley dove to a season-best off the 1-meter (251.03), while freshman Makayla Hughbanks had a season-best off the 3-meter (266.18).
Other Hawkeye season-bests include two from junior Zoe Pawloski in the 200 back (2:09.73) and 200 IM (2:13.36). Junior Georgia Clark had her best 200 free of the year with 1:58.10.
Iowa welcomed back sophomore Anna Pfeiffer and the Missouri State transfer competed in both the 200-medley and 400-free relays, as well as the 200-free (2:00.29) and 200-back (2:09.68) in her first meet back with the Hawkeyes.
Iowa will return to action Jan. 28, traveling to Minneapolis for a Big Ten tri-meet against Minnesota and Northwestern.
