University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Illinois State
Panther Swimmers fall to St. Louis and Illinois State in Season Opener
10/10/2008 8:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Oct. 10, 2008
The University of Northern Iowa women's swimming team opened up its 2008-09 fall season with a triangular meet against the St. Louis Billikens and Missouri Valley Conference foe Illinois State at the Horton Pool on the Illinois State campus.
The Panthers dropped their first two duals falling 176-94 against Illinois State and 183-110 versus St. Louis. Illinois State defeated the Billikens 174-115.
Junior Abby Girard was the only individual champion on the day, taking top honors in the 200-yard backstroke, clocking in at 2:09.20. Senior Abby Moes and sophomore Kelly McCullough followed close behind finishing seventh and eighth respectively.
Girard also took third place in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:01.31. Moes came in sixth with a time 1:03.27 and Jean Matzen touched in ninth place, recording a 1:07.24.
The Panthers also took home the top-crown in the 200 free relay with seniors Jean Matzen, Kelly Mateas, Caitlin Krengel and Alexa Armstrong recording a time of 1:46.31.
Stand-out sophomore Josie Itzen returned with a strong showing taking second in the 400 IM. Girard and Moes were right behind finishing third and fifth respectively.
The Panthers finished sixth-ninth in the 200 freestyle, including Ashley Hunter, Katie Maloy, and Hannah Craig.
McCollough continued to show great promise in her sophomore campaign, taking third in the 1000 free, pacing herself with a 10:57.80. Newcomer freshman, Stephanie Yattoni took fifth in the event with an 11:09.07.
McCollough also saw some success in the 200 fly with a fourth place finish. Freshman Ally Green took eighth.
Sophomore Maegan Miller, who finished seventh and eighth in the event.
Junior Jean Matzen finished in eighth place with a time of 26.60.
After battling back from a shoulder injury last season, senior Ashley Hunter returned to the water, taking fifth place in the 100 free. Maegan Miller followed close behind finishing sixth and seventh.
Josie Itzen was the top performer for the Panthers in the 200-yard breaststroke, capturing fifth place in a time of 2:34.62.
Freshman Kelly Mateas followed suit in sixth and seventh place.
The Panthers take to the pool again this Saturday, Oct. 11th for the Alumni Meet at noon in the Wellness and Recreation Center pool.
