Huskers Set to Host Southern IllinoisHuskers Set to Host Southern Illinois
Swimming and Diving

Huskers Set to Host Southern Illinois

Lincoln -- Fresh off a fifth-place finish at the 2003 Big 12 Relays, the Nebraska swimming and diving team will take on Southern Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 9 a.m at the Bob Devaney Sports Center Pool.

The Salukis are coming off their first meet of the season, downing Lincoln (Ill.) College, 221-18. Southern Illinois won all 13 events against the Division II Lynx.

Southern Illinois returns 18 letterwinners off a squad that finished the season with a 3-5 record and second-place finish in the Missouri Valley Conference. With 12 newcomers, the Salukis and the Huskers both have swimmers adjusting to collegiate swimming.

The Salukis, like the Huskers, are strong in the distance events. Southern Illinois returns the 500-yard freestyle MVC champ and MVC runner-up in the 1,650-yard freestyle in sophomore Elizabeth McGowan and junior Ashley MacCurdy, respectively.

The Huskers strength in the distance events was evident at the Big 12 Relays. NU’s 1,500-yard freestyle relay (freshmen Julie McCauley, Kate Wheeler and Lauren Bailey) placed third overall, as did NU’s runner-up 800-yard freestyle relay (McCauley, Wheeler, Bailey and sophomore Emily Becker) which finished in 7:44.39.

In addition, the Huskers have a strong supporting cast, including sophomores Mackenzie Clark, Esmie Holderman and Alex King, all of whom are solid contributors in the distance events for the Huskers.

The Huskers have won two of their last three dual meets dating back to last season ,and look to extend that streak against the Salukis on Saturday.

Following the meet with SIU, the Huskers will continue their homestand with Southwest Missouri State visiting the Devaney Center Pool on Saturday, Nov. 8, at noon.