University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Challenge Fairs Well for Gophers
2/7/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
Although no team scores were tallied, the competitive drive remained in tact for the Gophers Saturday at the University Aquatic Center. The closing day for the Minnesota Challenge proved a solid effort for the Gophers and served as a stepping stone for the Big Ten Championships later this month.
Prior to the evening portion of today's competition, the seniors were honored for their athletic accomplishments while at the University of Minnesota; they inlcude Sarah Bohlsen, Jessica Crawford, Carol Crouthamel, Lauren Guzauskas, Shannon Jackson, Lindsay Marko, Megan Moore, Juleen Rodakowski, and Melissa Schold.
During the afternoon session, the Gophers got off to a strong start with a victory in the 200 medley relay. The 'Minneosta A' team of Sarah Perrott, Guzaukas, Jaclyn Gazvoda, and Caroline Schik captured first place in a time of 1:48.27. 'Minnesota B' consisting of Heather Harris, Lindsay Somrock, Megan Peters, and Moore finished in 1:49.66, a close second.
Harris had an impressive day also earning first place in the 200 freestyle (1:55.95). The Gophers dominated this event capturing the top five finishes. Harris also won the 100 backstroke (57.81) and Saturday evening, the 200 back (2:05.81). Guzauskas also performed well earning a first place finish in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:05.19.
The Minnesota will always remain a memorable meet for two Gophers who earned lifetime best times in today's competition. Lindsey St. Martin earned this honor in two more events following last night's accomplishment in the 200 IM: 100 butterfly (59.29), 200 back (2:08.59). Harris also performed a lifetime best in the 100 back (57.81) and the 200 back (2:05.81). Afterward, coach Jean Freeman complimented that Harris "made a statement...she stepped it up a lot."
Meet records were also set tonight by Katy Coombe in the 100 free (51.65) and Guzauskas in the 200 breaststroke (2:21.06).
In the 400 IM, Marko earned the fastest time (4:36.44), while teammate Kate Wind finished second (4:38.39). 59.18 was quick enough for Amy Cahoy to win the 100 fly. This proved to be a strong stroke for the Gophers as the captured they top four finishes.
Relays also proved well for the Gophers as 'Minnesota A' consisting of Somrock, Jennifer Warmington, Sarah Solfelt, and Perrott clocked a time of 7:45.65 in the 800 free relay. Second place went to 'Minnesota B' with St. Martin, Jessica Crawford, Jennifer Hasling, and Krista Kezbers (7:52.62). Warmington also won the 1650 free in a time of 17:42.30.
The Minnesota Challenge proved to be a solid meet for the Gophers who will see their next action when they host the Big Ten Championships February 18-21.
Players Mentioned
