Facing four-time defending Mid-American Conference champion Eastern Michigan, the Ball State men's swimming and diving team could not pull off the upset, falling to the Eagles, 143-95.
"(The meet) was everything I expected," coach Bob Thomas said. "They're definitely the top in the conference."
The Cardinals finished the meet strong, taking all 31 points up for grabs in the final two events. They swept the top three places in the 200 breast with Richie Caudill leading the way and took the top two places in the 400 free relay,
Ball State finished with 14 top-three finishes, including four first places. Ryan Plantz (1-meter diving) and Kurtis Leer (100 free) also won their respective events.
Thomas said he thought Leer had an outstanding meet. Leer was barely touched out in the 50 free. Thomas was also impressed by Plantz's performance.
"Across the board, our swimmers continued to improve their times from a week ago," he said. "We're making progress."
The Cardinals finished with four second-places and six thirds. Leer (50 free), Adam Konopka (400 IM), and Josh Willer (200 breast), finished second in their events.
Jim Lullo (500 and1000 free), Ryan Bowman (200 free), the 400 medley-relay team, Zach Whitaker (3-meter diving), and Clint Cadden (200 breast) contributed with third places.
Thomas was glad to swim against Eastern at this time of the season because it allowed his team to see where they were time-wise against a tough team like the Eagles.
"It think it was good because anytime you swim against the level of competition such as Eastern, it brings out the best in you, than when you swim against a lesser team," he said.
This was the final away dual meet of the season for the Cardinals, something Thomas was glad to see.
"Traveling takes its wear and tear. If you have a choice, you always want to stay at home," he said. "The confines of your home are much more comfortable."
Ball State (6-3 overall, 1-2 in MAC) hosts Illinois-Chicago at 6 p.m. on Friday.
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