The Ball State women's swimming and diving team gave coach LauraSeibold-Caudill an early Christmas gift this weekend, as theyreturned to Muncie triumphant in defending their Zippy Invitationaltitle.
Ball State overcame a first day 69-point deficit to Akron andtook a 41.5-point lead over the Zips heading into the final day.The Cardinals increased their lead by 11 and finished the meet with1,406.50 points to reclaim the title. Akron finished second andClarion slipped to third.
"It was a goal of ours to win it, sure. What's crazy is that wedidn't win any events (during the three-day event),"Seibold-Caudill said.
Although the Cardinals were unable to win any events during thethree-day invitational, they garnered points through their depth.Eight swimmers and the 400 free relay team were able to finish inthe top 10 in the finals. Senior Kait Martin finish, fifth in the200 back, was joined by a sixth-place finish from freshman BrittanySayler. Emily Aubie (4th in the 200 butterfly) was joined byMichelle Braden, 7th, and Alyssa Watkins, 9th.
"The number of people that made it back to the finals was thekey," Seibold-Caudill said.
Junior Tara Zimmer (2nd in 200 breast), Jenna Arnold (7th in 200butterfly), and Michelle Arakgi (10th in 200 fly), were the otherthree top 10 finishes. The 400 free relay team of Sarah King, KarlaBailey, Sayler, and Aubie, finished 4th in the finals.
Eight meet events were broken during the three-day event, halfof which were broken in the finals.
"Our girls really performed well, and were able to pull it out.A lot of those teams were tough (especially Akron),"Seibold-Caudill said. "We had some great performances along theaway. It was really fun to win both the men's and the women'stitle."
The Cardinals do not return to action again until Jan. 2, whenthey travel to Florida for a Christmas training trip. Due to NCAArules, the team is required to at least compete in one meet whilein the south.
"I'd like to use this to fire everyone for the remainder of theseason, especially the remaining MAC meets and the conferencechampionship," Seibold-Caudill said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
