Tricia Grant Head Diving Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Tricia Grant Head Diving Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The Illinois swim and dive team triumphed in their home opener against the Kansas Jayhawks, winning 191-109. This victory at the ARC Pool marked the team's first win of the season.
Head coach Jeana Kempe expressed satisfaction with the team's performance: "This was a really good team win out of the gate for the entire program. From top to bottom everyone did their job, individual swimming, diving and every relay; it was truly a great team win for us."
The competition saw Illinois taking an early lead by securing first and second places in the 200 medley relay. The B team of Sophia Paduano, Chloe Diner, Sydney Stoll, and Isabella Wilhelm finished slightly ahead of their A team counterparts.
In individual events, Liv Dorshorst led a podium sweep in the 1000 freestyle. Kayla Duran secured her first college event win in the 100 breaststroke and later took bronze in the 200 breaststroke. Chloe Diner also claimed victories in both the 500 freestyle and 200 IM.
Alexis Wendel won the 200 butterfly while Laurel Bludgen topped the 100 freestyle event. Kalina Nikolaeva claimed first place in the 200 backstroke, closely followed by teammate Paduano.
The meet concluded with another victory for Illinois in the 400 freestyle relay featuring Stoll, Paduano, Bludgen, and Wilhelm.
On diving boards, Dani O'Kelly achieved second place on three-meter dives with a score qualifying her for NCAA Diving Zones. Bethany Mercer and Matilda Garcia also contributed points in this category.
Illinois will continue their season at the House of Paign Invite on October 25-26 where they will face Vanderbilt and Indiana State.
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