Missouri State vs. Southern Illinois

CARBONDALE, Illinois, October 30. THE Missouri State swimming and diving teams suffered their first conference losses of the young season at Southern Illinois. The men's score was 142-99, while the women's score was 140-103.

Missouri State and Southern Illinois have long been rivals in their respective conferences. Since the inception of the women's swimming program at Missouri State, only two teams have ever won conference titles: Missouri State and Southern Illinois.

For the women, Southern Illinois started strong with MVC Swimmer of the Year Kirsten Groome helping the Salukis win the first two events of the day in the 400-yard medley relay and the 100-yard freestyle. The Bears bounced back in the 200-yard Individual Medley with defending conference champion Brianna Willoughby touching the wall at 2:10.73 to earn a first-place finish. Close behind her was freshman Melissa Oishi in second (2:11.23) and sophomore Marta Nogueroles in fourth (2:12.50). After that win, the Bears rattled off wins in the 100-yard freestyle (Janke Engelbrecht, 54.07) and the 200-yard backstroke (Anna Ahlin, 2:03.52). The Bears also won the last event of the day with the 400-yard freestyle relay team of Engelbrecht. Dimitra Drakopoulou, Chelsea Dirks-Ham and Hannah Molden turning in a time of 3:37.37. In the end, Missouri State could not overcome the multiple Saluki wins.

The men, however, could only muster three wins against Southern Illinois. Senior Dillon Burns, last week's Mid-American Conference Swimmer of the Week, continued to impress in the 50-yard freestyle, earning first-place with his time of 21.44. Last season's Missouri State Freshman of the Year, sophomore Daan Jansen, won the 200-yard IM for the Bears with his time of 1:55.33. The third win came from senior Chris Novak, who bested the field in the 200-yard breaststroke (2:07.22), an event in which he has qualified for the US Olympic Trials. The men's team also did not win a relay event, a big part of the team's success in the past.

Next for the Bears will be a home meet against in-state foe Lindenwood University on Nov. 5 at 5:00 p.m. The following day, Nov. 6, the Bears will travel to Kirksville, Mo. to compete against Truman State University at 2:00 p.m.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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