Ball State University
Akron
Akron Downs Women?s Swim & Dive 151-148
November 01, 2014 | Women's Swimming and Diving
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State women's swimming and diving team earned eight event wins against Mid-American Conference foe Akron Saturday afternoon at the Lewellen Aquatic Center. While they were able to snag 8-of-16 top finishes, Ball State ultimately fell to MAC defending champion Akron by a narrow score of 151.5-148.5.
In the final event of the home opening meet, the Cardinals seized the 400 freestyle relay by the combination of seniors Jordan VanWinkle, Elaine Pitsas, Carlena Magley and sophomore Jessica Extine for a finished 3:32.99, but Ball State was unable to take the meet overall when Akron recorded second and third place in the final event, with Ball State following in fourth at 3:40.99.
"We knew this meet was going to be won based on depth and Akron had a touch more today," Ball State women's swimming and diving head coach Kristy Castillo said. "We had almost 100 percent season best performances and many breakthrough swims and dives. We are very happy with that progress."
VanWinkle was one of three Cardinals that recorded two individual first place finishes with a 5:09.29 time in the 500 freestyle and a 1:54.73 in the 200 freestyle, in addition to her relay success in the 400 free relay and a second place finish in the 200 medley relay at 1:48.33.
Junior diver Madie Zirzow earned two individual event wins in both the one and three meter dives, posting scores of 269.85 and 265.20, respectively.
Freshman Amanda Kedzierski was among Zirzow and VanWinkle in posting double first place finishes in her individual events. Kedzierski registered a 1:05.48 in the 100 breaststroke while tallying a 2:24.25 in the 200 breaststroke, followed by clenching second in the 200 IM with a 2:11.16 time.
Magley was the top finisher for the Cardinals in the 100 freestyle at 53.08, then posted a solid 1:55.70 in the 200 free and 24.55 in the 50 free, earning second in both events. Magley narrowly missed a first place finish in the 50 free by just 0.01 behind Akron's Hannah Raspopovich.
"Our ladies are proud of their improvement, but by no means are they content," Coach Castillo went on. "We will get back to work on Monday."
The Ball State women's swimming and diving team will be back in action Friday, Nov. 7, when they travel to Charleston, Ill. to compete at the Eastern Illinois co-ed meet at 6 p.m. central time.
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State women's swimming and diving action, follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateWSwim on Twitter.
Players Mentioned
