It was back to business for the Gophers women’s swimming and diving team over the weekend. Minnesota, which hasn’t faced a Division I opponent in two months, won its dual meet at Penn State on Saturday, 168-131.
Despite losing the first four events, Minnesota came back strong, winning nine of the next 10. Of particular concern to Minnesota was the performance of the two relay teams. The 200-yard freestyle team, ordinarily a solid part of the Gophers’ lineup, managed a second-place finish, a full second behind the Lions.
Senior captain Gretchen Hegener showed signs of progress over the weekend, winning both the 100 and 200 breaststroke. Her time of 1:03:53 in the 100 is among her best of the season, and is three seconds off of her former American record of 1:00:32.
The divers continued to be a source of strength for the Gophers over the weekend. Junior T.D. Rowe won both the 1- and 3-meter diving competitions, while freshman Tracy LaVoi took third and second, respectively.
Jenny Hennen provided points for the Gophers, in winning the 100 free. Hennen, a three-time winner at last weekend’s Gold Country Invitational, also placed second in the 200 free.
Other victories for Minnesota were provided by Emily Deppe (200 back), Olga Splichalova (500 free), and Andrea Simakova (200 butterfly).
Next on the Gophers’ schedule is an important meet with Nebraska and Texas A&M. The Gophers are ranked No. 10 in the nation, while the other two teams are also in the top 10.