The Ball State women's swimming and diving team has completed another successful weekend of competition. The Cardinals got underway with two victories in a double-dual meet over Butler (63-45) and Valparaiso (71-37) at home Friday evening. The team (10-1 overall, 2-1 Mid American Conference) upped their meet winning streak to nine after beating Western Kentucky with 151-92 Saturday at Lewellen Aquatic Center.
A number of BSU swimmers sat out Friday's meet. Head coach Laura Seibold-Caudill decided to let them rest so they would be ready for tougher competition the next day.
Sophomore Michelle Arakgi led the way for Ball State against the Bulldogs and Crusaders by capturing the 100 (54.65) and 200-yard freestyle (1:57.93) relays. Senior Melissa Keilen and sophomore Kelly McDonald were among the other first-place victors on the night.
Saturday's meet against the Hilltoppers was a landmark victory because the team was defeated by WKU (141-98) last season. That setback also dropped the team under .500 at the time. Most of the upperclassmen remembered the loss when it came time for the re-match Saturday morning.
"It really pumped me up, because I knew it was going to be tough," junior backstroker Kait Martin said. "It was a fun meet. Both our teams were cheering for each other."
Danielle Fisher had the most impressive performance of the day, as she was the victor in the 200 and 500-yard freestyle events. Michelle Braden also continued her successful first-year campaign by seizing the 200-yard individual medley.
Bailey and sophomore Sarah Welter, junior Dee Dee Wolverton and Keilen helped the Cardinal's effort with a first place in Martin won the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:09.10. Sophomore diver Dawn Ogden also obtained first place in the 1-meter diving event.
Seibold-Caudill said the team's performances was bolstered due to extra motivation they got from the men's team. Both teams clapped and cheered on-áBall State swimmers of both genders throughout the meet.
"It is so exciting to see these teams come together this year," Seibold-Caudill said. "They are fired up to compete. I think it's helping out both teams a lot."
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