The ASU swim and dive team split Saturday’s meet against Wisconsin, with the women beating the Badgers 174-104 while Wisconsin defeated the Sun Devils on the men’s side 152-126.
The Sun Devils knew before the meet that Wisconsin would be a quality early-season challenge, particularly on the women’s side. The two teams traded first-place finishes in most events, and in the women’s 400 Freestyle Relay, ASU narrowly edged Wisconsin by .1 of a second.
In the battle of breaststroke All-Americans, Wisconsin senior Ashley Wanland defeated ASU senior Rebecca Ejdervik in both the 100- and 200-yard Breaststroke.
“It was great to see Rebecca race Ashley Wanland in the breaststroke,” swim coach Dorsey Tierney-Walker said. “Two of the best breaststrokers in the country, and (it was) a great opportunity to see where they are at in this point.”
Saturday’s competition saw seven athletes reel in multiple wins. Senior Shannon Landgrebe and junior Caroline Kuczynski each collected two individual first place finishes, while both contributing to the Sun Devils 400 Medley and Freestyle Relays.
Although it is still early in the season, Kuczynski already feels she is racing faster than last season, when she represented the Sun Devils at the NCAAs in the butterfly events.
“Compared to last year, I’m definitely way ahead of where I was. I was going these times at the end of last year, so it’s good to know I’m on track to be even faster.”
Also taking first-place twice for the Sun Devils were freshman Hayden Thomas, sophomore Herbie Behm and junior Cassie Morrice.
Wisconsin junior Michael Weiss recorded three individual victories and helped the Badgers’ men’s 400 Medley Relay team to a win. Wanland and sophomore Tariq Miller each collected two first-place wins for the Badgers as well.
“I thought on the men’s side, there was a little bit of a lull after we lost a couple races,” Tierney-Walker said. “But then again, kind of gained back some steam when it came to the 50 Free.
"It’s no different than a football game, when you’re going to have your ups and your downs, and it’s more of retaining your focus and sticking to your game plan and executing."
Tierney-Walker was pleased by performances from her upperclassmen, and gave praise to seniors Jesper Akesson and Penelope Yamauchi. Behm and Thomas also satisfied Tierney-Walker for stepping up as underclassmen.
“In cases of several of upperclassmen, we raced very effectively,” said Tierney-Walker, summing up her team’s overall performance.
While her juniors and seniors shined in the second meet of the season, Tierney-Walker said she would like to see more out of her other younger athletes.
“I think some of our underclassmen need to elevate their level a little bit, and maybe demand a little bit more out of themselves early in the season.”
Tierney-Walker, however, quickly offered her understanding.
“That’s a challenge when you’re this young. They’re not used to competing this hard and competing when they’re a little tired, and your body adapts to it and it’s more of altering your mental approach at times.”
Reach the reporter at jnacion@asu.edu
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