Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois Split on Night One of Missouri Valley

CARBONDALE- The swimmers in the Missouri Valley Conference brought intense energy to the natatorium at Southern Illinois on Wednesday night, despite the short schedule.

Northern Iowa shocked everybody by winning their first relay in the conference ever with a win in the 200 medley relay. It was the first time since 2003 that someone other than Missouri State won that relay. Northern Iowa won the relay with a 1:42.37 with Madison Rinaldi (25.76), Veronica Herrmann (29.02), Crystal Florman (25.07) and Molly Lembezeder (22.52). That relay consisted of two freshman, a sophomore and a junior so they will be tough to beat next year, as well as the next few years in that event. Missouri State was second at 1:42.94 and Southern Illinois was third at 1:43.01.

Going into the 800 free relay, Southern Illinois were the heavy favorites as they were the defending champions and record holders. All four of their swimmers from last year were back swimming tonight. But, Missouri State had potential to pull off the upset and was neck and neck with the Salukis the entire race. But sophomore Bryn Handley of the Salukis pulled away on the last 100 and won the race for Southern Illinois at 7:16.60. Kelsie Walker (1:49.21), Lauren Stockton (1:49.17), Helena Amorim (1:50.14) and Handley (1:48.08) broke their conference record they broke last year by two seconds. Missouri State was second at 7:20.97 and Northern Iowa finished third at 7:27.20.

Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois are tied atop the team standings with 72 points and Missouri State is in third with 68. The Bears from Missouri State have not lost the championships since 2007. There is a lot of swimming left in the meet, as the meet will continue tomorrow with prelims of the 500 free, 200 IM and 50 free.

Thursday Finals Video
2016 Missouri Valley Conference Championships – Results

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