Perfect 12: Badgers pull off sweep in win over Panthers
October 10, 2008 | Women's Swimming & Diving
The Wisconsin women's swimming and diving team began the 2008-09 season on a winning note Friday, sweeping all 12 events on its way to a 147-74 win over UW-Milwaukee in a dual at the UW Natatorium.
The Badgers kicked things off by sweeping the top three spots in the 400-yard medley relay, with the team of Amie Osten, Ashley Wanland, Anna Chang and Christine Zwiegers claiming the win in 3:50.69.
Wanland, a freshman, also took top honors in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:03.55.
Gabby Maddalena was fastest in the 1,000 freestyle, clocking in at 10:07.60, and was followed by freshmen Danielle Beckwith and Kelly Winckler in second and third. Beckwith swam a 10:10.85, while Winckler recorded a 10:22.28.
Maddalena later added another win in the 500 free with a time of 4:59.05.
Rosie Morahan and Maggie Meyer went 1-2 in the 200 free, with Morahan clocking a 1:52.78 to take the win. She then added a victory in the 100 free, as well, in a time of 51.87.
In the other sprint freestyle race, Zwiegers clocked a strong 24.24 to claim the 50 free.
The top four spots in the 200 individual medley went to Wisconsin swimmers, with Candice Peak's winning time of 2:05.68 leading the way. Senior Jen Illescas followed in second, with Libby Brooks taking third and Maddalena fourth.
Peak added another win in the 100 backstroke with a time of 56.77, while Illescas got a win of her own in the 100 butterfly. She clocked in at 56.46 to win by more than three full seconds.
Ciara Rinaudo took the top spot in both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events ahead of teammate Emily Cheffins, who was twice a runner-up. Rinaudo scored 274.43 in the 1-meter competition and tallied 271.88 points to take the 3-meter title.
A strong opening performance behind them, the Badgers now jump directly into Big Ten Conference competition and will take on Iowa in a dual next Friday (Oct. 17). The Badgers and Hawkeyes will compete beginning at 5 p.m. in Iowa City.
