Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
Michigan State
Men?s S&D Suffers 183-117 Setback To Michigan State
December 12, 2009 | Men's Swimming and Diving
MUNCIE, Ind. - - The Ball State men's swimming & diving team could not overcome a strong showing from Big Ten foe Michigan State Saturday afternoon, as it suffered a 183-117 setback at the Lewellen Aquatic Center.
The Cardinals, who fell to 4-2 in dual action on the year, posted five event victories on the day, with senior Adam Dale (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg H.S.) leading the way with victories in the 100 and 200 backstroke.
Michigan State started the meet with wins in the first three events, before Dale turned in Ball State's top 100 backstroke time of the season, winning the event with a time of 53.35. Fellow senior Ryan Misener (Elkhart, Ind./Elkhart Memorial H.S.) was a close second, with a season fast time of his own at 53.85.
Two events later, seniors Austin Laska (Palos Park, Ill./A.A Stagg H.S.) and Ben Battjes (Elkhart, Ind./Elkhart Memorial H.S.) posted a 1-2 effort in the 50 freestyle. Laska's time of 21.15 was a season-best for the Cardinals, while Battjes clocked in at 21.63.
Local freshman Devon Hill (Muncie, Ind./Central H.S.) added a victory of his own two events later, winning the 100 freestyle in a season-fast 47.29. Dale followed with his second win of the day, taking top billing in the 200 backstroke with another season-best effort of 1:54.10.
The Cardinals would also win the meet's final event, the 200 freestyle relay, as Battjes, Chris Krupa (Indianapolis, Ind./Pike H.S.), Hill and Laska combined for a time of 1:25.48.
The Ball State men's swimming & diving team returns to action Jan. 8, when it hosts the Ball State Relay Invitational at the Lewellen Aquatic Center at Noon. The BSU women's team will also be competing in the event.
