Indiana Women’s Swimming and Diving: Big Night at Big Ten Championships
Last night was a significant win for Indiana’s women’s swimming and diving team at the Big Ten Championships in Minnesota. Freshmen Liberty Clark and Alex Shackell both achieved their first individual titles, contributing to a total of four medals for the Hoosiers.
With these wins, Indiana solidified its position in second place with 398 points, trailing Michigan, who is leading with 517.5 points.
Notable Performances
Shackell made waves in the 100-yard butterfly, finishing first with a time of 49.95 seconds. This performance not only earned her the title but also set a new program record, breaking the previous mark held by her teammate Miranda Grana by just six-hundredths of a second. Shackell is now a record holder in both butterfly events for the Hoosiers.
On the other hand, Clark triumphed in the 200-yard freestyle. She beat the reigning champion, Stephanie Balduccini from Michigan, with an impressive time of 1:40.84, marking her first time under 1:41. This achievement ranks her as the 14th fastest in history and the 10th fastest American.
In the 200-yard freestyle relay, Indiana also set a program record, finishing second with a time of 1:26.20. Clark and Shackell both led off with outstanding splits, showcasing their collective strength.
Diving Highlights
In diving, Ella Roselli placed 6th in the 1-meter springboard final, earning critical points for the team. Her coach, Drew Johansen, praised her for handling the pressure excellently. Freshman Kaylee Bishop also made her championship debut, finishing in 15th place, which is impressive in a competitive field of over 60 divers.
Team Outlook
Coach Ray Looze expressed pride in the team’s performance, highlighting the outstanding efforts from Clark and Shackell. The team looks forward to the upcoming events with renewed energy.
The championships continue today, with swimmers competing in several high-stakes races, including the 100 backstroke and 500 freestyle, promising more excitement ahead.
This strong performance showcases Indiana’s commitment to excellence in collegiate swimming and diving, demonstrating the depth and talent of their team. As they move deeper into the championships, many fans will be watching to see how they continue to perform.
