Swimming and Diving Leads Iowa State After Senior Day
Jan. 26, 2007
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Seven University of Kansas swimmers and divers were recognized Friday evening prior to day one of the two-day Big 12 Conference match-up between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Iowa State Cyclones. Seniors Bri Brotherson, Emily Knopp, Shelby Noonan, Lia Pogioli, Jenny Short, Lisa Tilson and Tricia Tindall received flowers and congratulations to kick off Friday night competition in a crowded and spirited Robinson Natatorium. Following day-one, the Jayhawks lead the Cyclones, 104.5-45.5.
In swimming action, the Jayhawks swept first place finishes in six of the seven swimming events in the contest. The Kansas 200-yard medley relay raced to a first-place victory with a time of 1:45.13. The Jayhawks went one-two-three in the 1000-yard freestyle with Kansas freshman newcomer Alicia Casillas leading the way for the win in the event (10:02.19). Freshman Ashley Robinson (10:07.62) and Pogioli (10:12.98) rounded out the top-three.
Short received top honors in the 100-yard backstroke (56.57), while junior Lauren Bonfe raced to a second-place finish (58.42) to complete the top-two in the event. Sophomore Danielle Herrmann came out strong in the 100-yard breaststroke for the victory (1:04.42), while Knopp earned a senior night victory in the 200-yard butterfly (2:08.44). Kansas freestyle sprinter, sophomore Maria Mayrovich completed the evening for the Jayhawks with a win in the 50-yard freestyle, coming in first with a 23.73 finish.
“We had a really good start tonight and this weekend is to celebrate our seniors,” head coach Clark Campbell said. “We came out on fire. Our girls were excited for our senior recognition. There’s no better way to honor them than to swim fast and we came out and swam fast. We’d like to keep to a similar pace tomorrow. We need to respond from a great night in the morning because this two-day meet is very similar to the prelims and finals that we will see at Big 12’s in February. “
In diving competition, junior Jenny Roberts led the way for the `Hawks finishing first in the three-meter competition with a score of 295.88. The victory was a personal best performance for Roberts. Noonan finished in second behind Roberts with a score of 287.55, while sophomore Hannah McMacken placed fifth in the event (228.45 points). Both Roberts and Noonan had Zone-qualifying performances on the three-meter board Friday, although both made the cut earlier in the season.
“Jenny had a personal best tonight and Shelby had a great score,” diving coach Eric Elliott said. “She’s (Noonan) trying harder dives and she’s very experienced. All of our divers had very upbeat and positive performances. We are well on our way to being ready for Conference.”
The Jayhawks will continue the match-up with the Cyclones Saturday at 10 a.m. in Robinson Natatorium for day-two of competition. Parking lot 34, just east of Robinson, will be reserved for swimming and diving spectators due to the Kansas men’s basketball game Saturday afternoon.
For complete results following day-two of the Big 12 showdown between Kansas and Iowa State, visit kuathletics.com.
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