The Ball State women’s swim and dive team (1-2, MAC 0-2) is back on the road again this weekend as they travel to Illinois State Nov. 11.
The team was home last weekend, falling to Bowling Green and topping Tiffin University.
In the Mid-American Conference 50 yard freestyle event, seven Cardinal swimmers are ranked in the top 50. This includes senior Jessica Extine, ranked 17, freshman Peighton Gilbert, ranked 19, and freshman Anne Vormohr, ranked 22.
The team also has members ranked in the top 50 in other events including the 100 free, 200 free, 500 free and the 1,000 free.
Head coach Kristy Patterson said there was a change in mindset for both meets last weekend.
“We definitely knew we had to swim fast on Friday because of it being a MAC opponent team,” said Patterson. “Then on Saturday we could ease our minds a bit and do better coming off a loss.”
Patterson said it usually is easier to swim better off a loss. The women are more motivated coming off a loss than anything else.
The MAC announced late Thursday night that freshman Sophie Bader was named co-swimmer of the week along with Eastern Michigan's Sierra Wagner. Bader had a strong showing in the Tiffin meet. She was part of the first place finish in the 400 medley and the 400 freestyle relay. Bader also finished second in the 100 breaststroke and in the 200 breaststroke.
Along with the swimmers showing progress, the divers are also progressing as the season goes on. Patterson said they are a great addition and help the team with points.
“We have strong divers this year compared to last,” Patterson said. “We lost one girl from last year, but I don’t think that is bringing us down in overall points.”
The diving and swimming score are combined into one total. When swimming in an event, the team can only have three members available for scoring. The dive team helps the swim team in the water by scoring high off the board.
Illinois State’s swimming and diving team has had a rough schedule with losses to Southern Illinois and Indiana State.
The Cardinals have been up and down on the road but Patterson said she hopes they get more consistent as the season prevails. They only have one meet this weekend, so they will have more time to rest for their next meet.
“The team is prepared for this weekend, especially since it is a one-meet weekend,” Patterson said. “Even though it is one meet, we are preparing just like we would for any other weekend.”
The meet begins at 5 p.m. in Normal, Illinois.
