University of Missouri
Iowa
No. 20 Tigers Trounce Iowa
1/26/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Jan. 26, 2008
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The 20th-ranked Mizzou women's swimming and diving team (11-1, 2-1 Big 12) downed Iowa by a score of 156-86, Saturday, to bid their seniors farewell in winning style. The Tigers captured 10 of 13 events in front of a packed and spirited home audience to remain undefeated in 2008 action. Archrival Kansas was also in attendance on Saturday to take on the Hawkeyes.
"The women really took on the challenge today," said Tiger Head Coach Brian Hoffer. "Everyone worked together to give the seniors a win. I think we're in a great place right now heading into the final stretch of the season."
Senior co-captain Arica Jacinto shone in `Senior Day' action. The Arizonan recorded a personal best time of 2:04.13 to earn runner-up honors in the 200 fly. Freshman Melissa Jamerson earned the win in a personal best time of 2:03.19.
Jacinto also combined with classmate Taye Patterson, freshman Morgan McCleery and junior Lauren Cox to take first in the 200 medley relay in a time of 1:45.86.
Fellow Phoenix, Arizona, native Lauren Cox cruised to a victory of her own against the Hawkeyes. The Tiger junior paced the field in the 200 IM in a time of 2:07.47.
Freshman Francie Szostak continues to show why she was chosen Illinois Swimmer of the Year during her high school career. The Northbrook, Ill., native clocked a 1:49.98 to finish first in the 200 free. Szostaks's time is the second-fastest time in school history in the event.
Also hailing from up North is Minnesotan Erin Yeager, who broke away from the pack to earn the win in the 200 breast in a time of 2:21.49. Columbia, Mo., native Mary Sheahen rounded out the top-three in a time of 2:26.40.
Sophomore Colleen Gordon was hoping to send the seniors off with a win as well. Gordon did just that, clocking a 4:54.20 to outlast the competition in the 500 free. Junior Carly Sullivan touched in third in a time of 5:04.39.
After picking up a pair of victories in school record-setting fashion a week ago against Iowa State, junior Kendra Melnychuk returned home for another pair of wins versus the Hawkeyes. The Canadian posted a winning score of 268.90 in 1-meter diving and added another to her collection with her score of 293.60 on the 3-meter board. Freshmen Jenny Franzone (227.10) and Abby Zepeda (249.25) dove to third-place finishes in 1-and 3-meter diving, respectively, on Saturday.
"We saw a couple divers really step up today," said Mizzou Diving Coach Jamie Sweeney. "Jenny Franzone rose to the challenge and looked great in doing so. Kendra was like a rock as usual. No matter what, she always fights and finds a way to win."
Next up for the Tiger women is a Friday, Feb. 8 matchup with Drury in Springfield, Mo. Action in the Panther's Breech Pool is set to get underway at 5 p.m. The team returns to the Mizzou Aquatics Center the following day for their home finale against Big 12 foe Nebraska.
Players Mentioned
