Evansville vs. Illinois State

NORMAL, Illinois, October 15. THE Illinois State Redbird swimming and diving team defeated conference rival Evansville this Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 at home in Horton Pool. The Redbirds (182 points) swam strong against Evansville (113 points), with an exceptionally solid performance from sophomore April Livingston, who broke the school record in the 200-yard breaststroke.

Livingston's record breaking time (2:21.54) also shattered her 2010-11 season best time (2:23.58) by two seconds. Head coach Steve Paska was thrilled with the new record, and knows it is well deserved by Livingston.

"She had a fantastic summer training at home," said Paska. "All the hard work and double work-outs really showed in tonight's performance. She always practices with passion and consistency, and if she continues her great work ethic, she can really go far this season."

Livingston also won the 100-yard breaststroke (1:06.53), and was part of the winning 200-yard medley relay (1:48.57) alongside junior Jeanette Nolte, freshman Katherine Nelson and freshman Samantha Schuckles.

A collective team effort in all 16 events contributed to the Redbird's big win against Evansville, but coach Paska says it was the first performances that really got the ball rolling for the rest of the night.

"The key moments of the night were our one-two finishes in the first two events of the night. Once the momentum started, the Redbirds were able to carry it through the rest of the competition."

The night was filled with many 1st place finishes and stand-out performances. Katherine Nelson had an impressive start to her freshman year, being a part of the winning 200-yard medley relay. Nelson also won the 50-yard freestyle (24.56) and the 100-yard freestyle (53.17).

Junior Tori Alland had a season best time and a 1st place finish in the 200-yard freestyle (1:54.71) with another 1st place finish in the 500-yard freestyle (5:06.04).
Freshman Cecilia Holmes swam a personal best time in the 1000-yard freestyle (10:35.89), smashing her previous record (10:48.62). Holmes also had a 2nd place finish in the 500-yard freestyle (5:09.07).

The Redbird diving team, led by seniors Brittany Tazzioli and Polly Hirt, is also showing early signs of a high caliber season.

"I'm continually amazed with the performances our divers are giving this early in the season," said head diving coach Phil Hoffmann. "It's been a great weekend of competition, and this team is very strong. They are showing a lot of depth, and I'm excited to see how we dive next weekend in Omaha."

The Redbirds travel to Omaha to compete at the University of Nebraska next Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at 1:00 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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