Birthday Girl Kasey Roberts Wins, But Iowa State Falls to Illinois

Photo Courtesy: Iowa State Athletics

By Sarah Lloyd, Swimming World College Intern

The Iowa State Cyclones hosted the Illinois Illini on Friday January 15 in a closely contested meet, but came up short at the very end, losing in a 164.5-135.5 decision. The Cyclones had a slew of first through third finishes, but the Illini came up big in the relays and the early events.

The Iowa State women got off to a rocky start when they finished third in the opening event of the meet, the 200 medley relay. A team of Harper Emswiler, Kasey Roberts, Kaylee Kucera, and Alex Flatness touched with a time of 1:46.85, just a tenth off of the second place Illinois B team. Freshman Haley Ruegemer was second in the 1000 (10:37.98), as was sophomore Silqi Luo in the 200 free (1:53.54).

The Cyclones rebounded quickly, however, with a first through third sweep in the 100 backstroke. Senior Marissa Engel led the way with a 57.97, followed by sophomore Emswiler (58.08), just a tenth ahead of freshman teammate Guy Shilon (58.18). Engel then went on to claim the 200 back (2:03.30).

A pair of Iowa State women took first and second in the 100 breaststroke immediately after the sweep. Sophomore and birthday girl Roberts won (1:05.01), with fellow sophomore Danica Delaquis coming in right behind at 1:05.47. Roberts also went on to win the 200 breast (2:19.72) and place second in the 200 IM (2:06.60).

Junior Maddie Rastall took the 50 (24.38), with freshman Flatness tying for second with Illinois’ senior Lori Lynn (24.40). The dynamic diving duo of junior Julie Dickinson and senior Elyse Brouillette claimed first and second on the 3 meter competition, then swapped spots in the 1 meter competition to keep the Cyclones within striking distance of the Illini.

The Cyclones had a chance to take the meet in miraculous fashion by sweeping the top three spots in the 400 free relay, but the A team of Brooke Evensen, Mary Kate Luddy, Savanna Townsend, and Luo ended up third with a final time of 3:31.19.

The Cyclones compete again on Saturday January 16 when they host DIII Washington-St. Louis.

Full results:Iowa State vs. Illinois – Results

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