Nov. 10, 2007
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue women's swimming and diving won its first dual of the season, but lost two others at a multi-dual meet held over the weekend at Penn State.
The Boilermakers coasted past Michigan State 272-81 but could not catch the nationally ranked Nittany Lions or Virginia Cavaliers. Purdue lost to Penn State 236-117 and Virginia 238-115.
Purdue will meet the Spartans again later this season at home in January.
Head coach Cathy Wright-Eger was pleased with Friday's swims more than Saturday's, noting the team wasn't as fluid as it could have been. Overall, the Boilermakers combined for 25 season bests, including 10 Saturday afternoon.
"The goal as always is to keep getting better everyday, and were doing that until we fell back today," said Wright-Eger. "We have six sessions worth of swimming coming up next weekend, so we'll be trying to get everything corrected in practice."
Purdue's lone winners were freshman Christine Mankus in the 200 freestyle and sophomore diver Ashley Karnes on 3-meter. Mankus edged Penn State senior Molly Crispell to the wall, 1:51.27 to 1:51.52.
Karnes' winning score was listed at 322.35 points.
Karnes' chance to post a second-straight springboard sweep in as many weekends was foiled by Michigan State freshman Alycia Mokedanz, who scored 283.20 points on 1-meter to Karnes' 277.75. Emily Wetzel was third on 1-meter with a personal best 265.50 points.
Mankus' rookie classmates were among the Boilermakers' top finishers. Allie Smith was runner-up to Penn State's Daphne Skelos in the 200 back, 2:00.69 to 2:01.21; Lisa Butler and Ariel Martin were third and fourth in the 50 free with marks of 23.85 and 24.13.
The Boilermakers return home Friday to play host to the three-day, six-session Purdue Invitational. Prelims begin daily at 10 a.m. Finals start at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday.
Florida, Louisville, Missouri and Missouri State are among the teams scheduled to compete.