ELSAH, ILL. – The lady Panthers came into the final meet of the year versus Illinois College with excitement and energy and despite the loss 48-140 swam great and showed that with only a week of resting they are getting fast. Illinois College came in with a numbers advantage but the women battled throughout the meet winning their share of events, but couldn't overcome IC's depth. The speed that was on display showed that the women are on track for an amazing end to the season.
Junior captain
Laura Perry led the way with two lifetime bests. She led off the 200 Medley Relay with a lifetime best 50 Back split of 37.66 to help the ladies to a second place finish. Later on she swam a lifetime best in her 100 Back with a 1:21.90. Fellow junior
Makaela Thompson swam to the first of numerous wins for the team with her 2:14.87 un-rested best in the 200 Free.
Jenna Mehlenbacher took the next win with a 2:30.04 in the 200 IM as she swam away from her competition. Mehlenbacher scored another win shortly thereafter in the 100 Fly in 1:10.07.
Sophomore
Joanna Patzwald scored another win when she out touched her competitor in the 100 Free in 1:00.39 an un-rested best. Thompson then took her second win of the meet in the 500 Free in 6:22.88. The 200 Free relay saw a great race as Principia battled to the end. Both Mehlenbacher and Thompson contributed season best 50 Free relay splits to the 1:56.15 time.
With only a week of taper, the women were swimming well. The energy was up, the excitement was up and the joy was felt by everyone. With a week and half until the Liberal Arts Championships, the women are poised for great things. The Liberal Arts Championships, hosted by Principia, starts on Thursday Feb 16 and runs through Saturday, Feb 18. It is the final meet of the season and is sure to be a great one. Check the Liberal Arts website for more information.
