Cyclones In Second After Day One

AUSTIN, Texas – The Iowa State swimming and diving team (4-5, 1-2 Big 12) is tied for second-place after day one of the Big 12 Championships with 62 points. The two relay squads finished third and fourth during day one the conference meet.

The 200 medley relay team of Harper Emswiler, Kasey Roberts, Mary Kate Luddy and Laura Miksch swam a time of 1:40.37, the second-fastest time in school history and good for third in the event. The time was highlighted by Miksch, passing a pair of squads in the last leg with a 21.84 unofficial split time.

"Very pleased with our 'A' medley relay," head coach Duane Sorenson said following the race. "Laura Miksch had an outstanding split. I don't care who you are, what you are, that is just fantastic. She's a ballistic lady. Being a senior and went in behind, her level just shot up. I think we're going to see something special tomorrow."

The secondary relays also swam well for the Cyclones, as the 'B' and 'C' relays were topped only by the secondary squads of Texas.

In the 800 freestyle relay, the team of Luddy, Silqi Luo, Haley Ruegemer and Keely Soellner set a new Iowa State school record with a time of 7:15.61, taking fourth overall in the event. Luddy's official split of 1:48.66 puts her in third on Iowa State's performance list, and the time ranks 10^th all-time.

"It was a great, great effort by all four women," Sorenson said after the meet. "Mary Kate led off with her lifetime best, Silqi and Haley swam their lifetime best, and Keely brought it home. I liked their effort, and it's always fun when you break a school record."

Prior to the relays, Jessi Storer swam the 100 freestyle for the Cyclones, swimming a 53.38 for a new personal record.

The Cyclones return to action tomorrow at 10 a.m. for the preliminary session including the 500 freestyle, 200 IM, 50 freestyle and one-meter diving. The finals session will include the preliminary events and the 400 medley relay.

Players Mentioned

Harper Emswiler

Mary Kate Luddy

Silqi Luo

Laura Miksch

Kasey Roberts

Haley Ruegemer

Keely Soellner

Jessi Storer

Sponsors

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