Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Doug Coers Invite Day 2
Swimming and Diving Completes Coers Invite as Runner-Ups
11/19/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Nov. 19, 2011
MUNCIE, Ind. - Following day two action from the Doug Coers Invite, Marshall Swimming and Diving wrapped up the event as runners-up to the host, Ball State.
In day two competition, The Herd placed in the top three of 11 different events, which included six first place finishes from four different swimmers. Marshall's score of 550 is an improvement of last year's mark of 503.5.
Kacey Preun, following a first place finish in the 500 yard Freestyle on day one, captured the top spot in both the 200 yard Freestyle (1:54.58) and the 200 yard Breaststroke (2:19.46). The freshman's time in the 200 Breaststroke is her career best time, the second best in Conference USA this year and the third fastest time in school history.
Vera Niemeyer also put on a strong performance for the green and white with two first place finishes in the 100 yard (59.20) and 200 yard (2:07.50) Backstroke. Kaley Gregory also got to the wall first for Marshall in 1650 yard Freestyle (17:36.78) as did Sarah Kay in the 200 yard Butterfly (2:03.95).
Marshall was aided by four victories during the last session of Saturday and a total of seven second place finishes and two third place finishes for the day. In total for the event, the Herd was able to place in the top three 20 times in 14 different events.
Head Coach Russell Hunt was very pleased with what his squad showed him over the weekend, "This is a young group, and the progress we've made from last season to this one and from the beginning of the season to now is obvious. Where we lacked last season, we are consciously attacking now, and to see us flex our muscles in the last session of a long weekend was fantastic."
Hunt also was happy with what this past three day stretch (Tri-meet at Indianapolis and Doug Coers Invite) gave his squad for the near future, "This was an important weekend for this team, and to come on this trip, and perform over the course of three straight days, was great preparation for the championship environments we will find ourselves in come February."
Marshall will take a small break before returning home to Fitch Natatorium on Saturday, December 3rd for a tri-meet with Western Kentucky and Fairmont State. The meet will start at 2 p.m.
Team Rankings:
1. Ball State University - 734
2. Marshall University - 550
3. Grand Valley State University - 399
4. University of Findlay - 185
5. Lewis University - 125
6. Valparaiso University Swimming - 110
