Similar to the Michigan State loss earlier in the season, the Ball State women's swimming and diving team (10-6 overall, 3-5 Mid-American Conference) came ever so close to pulling off a considerable upset against MAC rival Ohio, falling just short, 155-145.
"It was really an exciting meet -- back and forth all the way through," coach Laura Seibold-Caudill said. "I thought the whole meet we swam really well. It's something we can walk away and feel good about."
With five first places, nine seconds, and 12 thirds, the Cardinals came into the final event just one point behind the favored Bobcats. But the Bobcats pulled away in the final 25 yards to win the 400-yard freestyle relay and the meet.
The meet had been back and forth throughout the afternoon. At the midway point, the Bobcats led 66-65, but the Cardinals came back, leading 110-97 with four events remaining. Despite losing, Seibold-Caudill felt the result would boost the team's confidence heading into MAC championships.
"This is a team (Ohio) that's been second or first in the championships in the last 20 years," she said.
Karla Bailey (100-yard breaststroke), Sarah Welter (50-yard freestyle), and Cassandra Pavlovich (1-meter diving), won their respective events, something Seibold-Caudill said was key for the meet.
Emotions played a role for the seven seniors since this was their last home meet, Seibold-Caudill said.
"You get to four years, and it's kind of hard to let go. It's hard to think about not swimming," she said. "It's an exceptional senior class. I think they're going to be successful when they leave."
Seibold-Caudill was thrilled to see the men's team come and support her team.
"It's great when both teams support each other," she said. "It's been a little real partnership between the two teams."
On Friday night, the Cardinals were victorious in 11 of 16 events, including five top-three sweeps, as they easily defeated Marshall, 188-101.
"We just dominated. We never let up. They came in here and just didn't know how to race in our pool," Seibold-Caudill said.
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