Nov. 15, 2003
ATLANTA, Ga. - Purdue's women's swimming and diving team finished competition Saturday at the Georgia Tech/Florida Atlantic triangular meet, handily defeating the Owls 233-114, but were edged out by the host Yellow Jackets, 180-173. The women's dual meet record now stands at 2-2.
Sophomore diver Carrie McCambridge picked up where she left off last night, winning the 3-meter competition with a score of 305.32. Her nearest competitor was teammate Bethany Jensen, who posted a score of 285.68. In four meets this season, McCambridge remains undefeated off both springboards; she won the 1-meter during Friday night's action (270.30).
"Her consistency week after week is exactly what we are looking for," said head coach Cathy Wright-Eger. "Carrie's focus has been extremely intense and is impressing all of us on the coaching staff."
Winning Wright-Eger's praise this weekend in the swimming pool was freshman Susan Hentschel, who came out of the triangular with four victories and one second-place showing. During Saturday's action, Hentschel led all competitors in the 100 free with a winning time of 51.69, and later anchored the 400 free relay team (3:28.05) to victory in the meet's final event. Hentschel's split was timed at 51.27.
"I'm proud of the way she (Hentschel) has stepped up her performance," said Wright-Eger. "She keeps swimming faster and faster no matter how great her workload."
Teaming with Hentschel on the winning relay were Tracy Duchac, Christine Leupold and Katie Seleskie. In addition to their relay triumph, both Duchac and Leupold scored second-place finishes in their respective events. Duchac placed behind Hentschel in the 100 free at 52.40 and Leupold led a two-three-four finish for the Boilermakers in the 100 fly, coming in at 58.21. Freshmen Carlene Takaki and Jennifer Merte trailed Leupold to the finish line, coming in at 58.60 and 58.79, respectively.
Merte was one of several Purdue swimmer's who also earned a silver medal, with hers coming in the 400 individual medley at 4:29.37. Erica Chandler copped second-place honors in the 500 free (4:58.07) and newcomer Katharine Telfer earned runner-up honors in the 200 back (2:04.95).
Senior team captain Lindsay Kirchoff had a solid showing in the 200 breast, coming across third in 2:26.25.
The women's team's next meet is at the Texas A&M Invitational, which starts Friday Nov. 21 and runs through Sunday the 23rd.