The Utah women’s swimming and diving team lost its meet with Oregon State, but showed some bright signs for the future.
Despite falling 116-89 to the Beavers of Oregon State last Friday, Ute freshman Loren Sweeny set a Utah school record for the 200-meter backstroke, with a time of 2 minutes, 5.27 seconds. She also took first place in the 200-meter freestyle.
Neringa Statkeviciute finished first in the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 52.40 seconds. She also took second in the 50-meter freestyle, coming in at 24.54.
Sophomore Kristen Kaiser took second place in three events, including the 200 meter fly, with a time of 2:09.72, the 500-meter freestyle at 5:06.21, and the 1,000-meter freestyle at 10:15.85.
Despite falling to the Beavers, Utah coach Mike Litzinger was impressed with his female swimmers.
“I have never seen a Utah team swim harder than tonight,” he said. “It was a terrific meet coming down to the final events, and our event winners and our depth performed great.”
Both the men’s and women’s teams are preparing for a very important meet this Friday against defending Mountain West champion and in-state rival BYU, here in Salt Lake City. It will be the first conference meet for both teams.
“Anytime you are hosting the conference champions, it will be an exciting meet,” Litzinger said. “BYU has set the standard in the Mountain West Conference over the last few seasons and it is up to Utah to rise to the challenge of competing with the best.”
The meet is scheduled for Friday evening at 6 p.m. at the Ute Natatorium.