McLean County Times

The Illinois State swim and dive team finished the first day of competition at the Eastern Classic, held at Jones Natatorium in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on Friday.

In the opening event, junior Selena Corona placed sixth in the 1-meter dive with a score of 207.05. Freshman Reese Huber scored 179.00 in her debut for Illinois State, while sophomore Emma Thompsen earned a score of 175.85 in her first meet this season.

The Redbirds' A team in the 400-yard medley relay—composed of Tyler, Ostendorf, Snow, and Turken—secured fourth place with a time of 3:52.1. The B team, consisting of Boulden, Fris, Watson, and Dameworth, finished fifth with a time of 3:56.85.

Sophomores Hope Westphal and Amelia Murphy achieved their best times this season in the 500-yard freestyle with results of 5:05.1 and 5:23.62 respectively.

In the 200-yard individual medley (IM), sophomore Avery Watson led Illinois State by finishing sixth with a time of 2:12.68. Senior Delaney Boulden recorded her best time this season at 2:13.34.

Senior Ella Turken led Illinois State in the 50-yard freestyle with a season-best time of 24.29 seconds. Senior Mia Snow finished ninth at 24.34 seconds; sophomore Ines Kieffel and freshman Elle Dameworth also posted their top times this season at 24.73 and 24.87 seconds respectively.

The Redbirds’ A squad took fifth place in the final event of the day—the 800-yard freestyle relay—with a finish time of 8:04.24.

Competition will continue Saturday morning at Jones Natatorium.

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