Chicago Showdown: Women’s Swimming and Diving Face Tough Losses in Weekend Matches

CHICAGO, Ill. – The Women’s Swimming and Diving team at the University of Southern Indiana faced two defeats over the weekend, succumbing to Northwestern University on Friday with a score of 199-42. USI then competed against the University of Illinois-Chicago on Saturday morning, losing 200.5-85.5. 
 
Northwestern
The Screaming Eagles encountered difficulties against the formidable Big Ten Conference adversary, tallying only 42 points throughout the competition. Nevertheless, sophomore Hayden Shurtz achieved a commendable second-place finish in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:04.68.
 
Two swimmers from USI attained personal bests in their respective events. Freshman Ailyn Zurliene performed exceptionally in the 100 freestyle, clocking in at 58.21 seconds, while freshman Emma Gabhart seized her chance in the 50 freestyle, finishing in 25.34 seconds.
 
Freshman Anna Bunnell maintained her position at the forefront of the Eagles diving squad, amassing a team-high score of 225.45 points in the one-meter event.
 
Illinois-Chicago
Following a late evening in Evanston, USI ventured into the city to compete against the UIC Flames. Sophomore Hayden Shurtz made significant contributions with a total of 15 points, clinching the Eagles’ sole heat victory in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:05.07.

Freshman Elizabeth Ketcham secured fourth place in the 50 freestyle with a time of 25.30 seconds, while freshman Simone Green followed closely behind in fifth place at 25.76 seconds. Junior Sarah-Catherine Dawson achieved a second-place finish in the 200 butterfly with a time of 1:54.93.

Outstanding freshman Anna Bunnell followed her performance as Summit League Diver of the Week with a record-breaking dive of 240.68 in the one-meter event, improving her previous score by over 12 points. Sophomore Maranda Uttke recorded a career-best score of 215.25 in the one-meter dive. Junior Autumn Turley shone in the three-meter event, achieving a personal best score of 196.80. 

 

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The Eagles will be returning home to compete against their crosstown rivals, the University of Evansville and Butler University, on January 18 at the USI Aquatic Center.