The Gophers' lead in the Big Ten women's swimming and diving meet keeps getting bigger. Trailing by two points after Day 1, the Gophers led by 47 points after Day 2 and by 129 Friday through 14 events at the University Aquatic Center.
Minnesota, the defending team champion, had 303.5 points after winning the 200-yard freestyle relay, the 200 individual medley and 1-meter diving, while breaking school records in the two swimming events.
The freestyle relay of Rebecca Weiland, Erin Caflisch, Blake Zeiger and Lauren Votava won in 1 minute, 28.43 seconds.
Sophomore Tori Simenec won the 200 IM in 1:57.11 and junior diver Maggie Keefer took first in her diving event with a score of 351.45 points, a career best.
Indiana is in second place with 211.5 points, followed by Penn State (175) and Purdue (142.5).
U at Big Ten IndoorsThe Gophers men's and women's track and field teams will compete in the Big Ten Indoor Championships on Friday and Saturday at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.
The men's team finished second a year ago, four points behind Indiana. Harun Abda is the defending champion in the 400- and 600-meter runs, Micah Hegerle in the weight throw.
The women's team was l1th, or last place, in this meet a year ago. Todea Kay-Willis won the long jump in 2011 but missed last year's meet with an injury. She is healthy now.
Stars FC re-sign threeDefender Kevin Friedland, goalkeeper Matt VanOekel and defender Brian Kallman, the Minnesota Stars FC's three longest-tenured players, signed with the team again this week.
Friedland signed through 2013, VanOekel through 2014 and Kallman through 2015. All three have pro careers in the state that go back to the Minnesota Thunder.
The Stars FC open their season against San Antonio on April 6 at the Metrodome.