University of Louisville
ILLINOIS (Women)
Women's Swimming Stuns Illinois with 172-128 Win
October 15, 2005 | Swimming & Diving
Oct. 15, 2005
For the first time in school history, the University of Louisville women's swim team defeated a Big Ten opponent when the Cardinals stunned Illinois 172-128 at the Ralph R. Wright Natatorium Saturday afternoon.
"I am very proud of the women's team and especially where we came from since 2004. Last year, Illinois dominated us from beginning to end," said U of L coach Arthur Albiero.
The Cardinals set the Illini back on their heels when they won the opening 200-medley relay. Lauren Grimes, Johanna Nyysti, Jenny Schimenti and Melanie Greyling came from behind and edged out Illinois.
"That first relay really set the tone," said Albiero. "We were mentally prepared going into the race but to come from behind and win was a huge surge for us."
The Cardinals took the top two spots in the grueling 1000-free when Ashley Jackson just touched out teammate Abby Miller. Both Cardinals swimmers finished almost six seconds before the first Illini team touched the wall. Grimes came back to win the 100-back for the Cardinals at 59.29 with Heather Meng touching first in the 100-breast. Nyysti took third in that event.
Freshmen Miller and Schimenti went one and two in the 200-fly and frosh Leslie VanWinkle won the 50-free to keep Illinois scrambling to catch up.
"Our freshman class performed so well today. They showed how deep and versatile we are this year," said Albiero.
Meng got her second win in the 200-breast and Schimenti took the 100-fly to add to the Cardinal point total. Miller and Schimenti finished first and second respectively in the 400-IM.
In diving,U of L swept the 1-meter board with Marianne Bradford finishing first in the 1-meter board, Sarah Sandroni and McKenzie Long right behind her.
"The divers showed what great strength they will be for us," said Albiero. "The have a great mix of newcomers and veterans."
Sandroni won the 3-meter board with Long finishing second and Bradford taking third.
"It was the first time that Sarah had to compete against veteran Marianne Bradford," said diving coach Mike Zehnder. "It was a pleasant surprise to see and this will help push both of them ahead. Sandroni came up big on the 3-meter board."
The Cardinal women are now 2-0 on the season and Illinois is 0-2.
"This was a huge step in the right direction for our program," said Albiero. "We prepared and planned well for this meet and they responded to the challenge."
