UW outduels No. 10 Texas A&M
October 31, 2005
The UW women's swim team buried a formidable effort from the Aggies, pulling off the upset on Saturday from the Texan team.
The Huskies -- ranked 25th in the NCAA -- beat No. 10 Texas A&M 147 to 115.
Energy remained high and school spirit thrived, as fans gathered in the frenzied unity of athletic pride during the event.
"I'm really proud of our girls," said head coach Mickey Wender. "Never in Husky Pool have we done so well."
UW finished first in eight events. Top performing swimmers included freshman Kimberley Jasmer, sophomore Caitlyn Shortt and seniors Liya Liu and Sharon Olson, all of whom have shown exceptional capabilities so far in the season.
Co-captain Olson scored first in the 1,000-yard freestyle with a time of 10:13.50, which broke the school record, and the 200-yard backstroke (2:02.50).
Co-captain Liu snagged an impressive win in the 100-yard freestyle (0:51.44), and also assisted her team to victory in the 400-yard freestyle relay.
Sophomore Shortt came first in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:05.29). An Olympic trial participant for 2004, she brings impressive records and strong competition to the team.
Though only a freshman, Jasmer showed strong potential at the meet, coming first in the 500-yard freestyle (4:54.75).
Under Wender, the Husky women have steadily improved with each experience. This meet was no exception, and Wender expressed his satisfaction with the victory:
"The last 2.5 hours took our program to another level and I'm grateful to Texas A&M University for bringing their 10th-ranked team here," said Wender. "The opportunity we had to compete against that caliber opponent is few and far between, and to get up and have our women do what they did today is special."
Husky swimmers expressed similar thoughts on competing against the Texas powerhouse.
"I was somewhat scared, but mostly excited, to compete against a top 10 team," Olson said. "This meet was amazing though -- and it's such a rush racing against fast opponents."
With a grueling schedule involving daily practices at 5:30 a.m., weight and cardio training and a commitment to balanced nutrition and diet, the UW swimmers invest enormous energy and time into their sport.
Wender also noted his team's disciplined approach to improvement.
"We got a lot better today," said Wender. "We had a taste of what it's like to compete with a top-notch opponent and we stepped up and really did a great job. I'm so proud of all of them, from top to bottom."
Upcoming events include two home meets at Husky Pool, Nov. 11 vs. WSU, and Nov. 18 vs. Idaho.
The team desires support from Husky fans for the upcoming matches.
"Please, please come to our meet on Nov. 11 and help us beat the Cougs," said Shortt. "We need all the support we can get."
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