Dec. 5, 2003
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. - The Purdue women's swim team finished its second day of competition at the U.S. Open, with all five Boilermakers giving solid performances in the 200 free and 100 fly. Although none of the Purdue swimmers were able to advance to the nightly finals, head coach Cathy Wright-Eger was pleased with the team's accomplishments.
"I'm happy with what the swimmers have been able to accomplish, even though they are still adjusting to the long-course meter pool," said Wright-Eger. "They are competing very well and every one of them is maintaining a great mindset. I think they are a bit dissappointed that no one has been able to get to the finals, but they are all ready for tomorrow and they'll keep plugging away."
Purdue's strongest event Friday was the 200-meter freestyle, which was comprised of Washington native Erica Chandler, along with Susan Hentschel, Christine Leupold and Kim Paradeise. Chandler led all Boilermakers to the finish line with a mark of 2:07.15 with Leupold not far behind at 2:08.61. Paradeise, a fifth-year senior, clocked a mark of 2:09.23 and freshman Hentschel secrured a time of 2:11.54. Wright-Eger noted that she was satisfied with everyone's times since they were right about where they've been for the last season.
Autumn Sample's run in the 100 butterfly also pleased Wright-Eger, as the senior tri-captain clocked one of her best long-course times at 1:06.52.
"Autumn gave us another good swim today," said Wright-Eger. "She's been feeling better and looking better in the water as of late, and she'll definitely continue to be a factor going into the second half of the season."
The Boilermakers are slated to compete in four events during Saturday's final day of competition. Chandler will go first in the 800 free, and will be followed by Leupold, Hentschel and Paradeise in the 100 free. Lindsay Lange will represent the Old Gold and Black in the 200 breast and Sample will compete in the 200 fly. Prelims begin at 12 p.m., while the finals are slated to start at 9 p.m.
Swim fans can receive live results from the U.S. Open by clicking on its link located at www.usa-swimming.org.