Splashing to a dynasty: U of M women swimmers four-peat

The last Gophers' athletic team to win four consecutive titles was the men's tennis team. Way back from 1992-95.

A women's team had never done it. Until Saturday.

The Gophers women's swimming and diving team accomplished that feat at the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion in Columbus, Ohio.

Minnesota took the lead on Day 2, briefly gave it up to Indiana on Saturday, Day 4 during the final session, but prevailed with a robust 618.5 points.

The next four:

2. Indiana, 591

3. Michigan, 478.5

5. Purdue, 388

Three Gophers between them won five individual titles and were named All-Big Ten first team: Kierra Smith, 100- and 200 breastrokes, sophomore Yu Zhou, 1- and 3-meter diving and freshman Brooke Zeiger, 400 IM.

Here's a look at the 13 swimmers or divers who placed fifth or higher in at least one event:

SENIORS

Katy Etterman, Brainerd HS, second in 3-meter diving (333.80), All-Big Ten second team

Jessica Plant, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, fourth in 200 freestyle, on third-place 800 freestyle relay and fourth-place 400 freestyle relay

Tori Simenec, from Salem, Oregon, fourth in 200 IM, on third-place 800 freestyle relay, and on fourth-place 200 and 400 medley relays and 400 freestyle relay

Devin Ste. Marie, from Whitby, Ontario, fifth in 200 butterfly

Rebecca Weiland, from Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., tied for second in 50 freestyle (22.13) with Ohio State sprinter, fourth in 100 butterfly, on third-placed 200 freestyle relay, and on on fourth-place 200 and 400 medley relays and 400 freestyle relay; All-Big Ten second team

Blake Zeiger, from Cumberland, R.I., anchored third-place 200 freestyle relay

JUNIORS

Samantha Harding, from Las Cruces, N.M., fourth in 500 and 1,650 freestyles

Kierra Smith, from Kelowna, B.C., won 100 breaststroke (59.32) and 200 breaststroke (2:05.69), which was a Big Ten, meet and pool record, fifth in 200 IM, on fourth-place 200 and 400 medley relays ... She won two breaststroke event for second year in a row.

Lauren Votava, Des Peres, Mo., fourth in 100 freestyle, on third place 200 and 800 frestyle relays and on 4th place 400 freestyle relay

Comments: Smith was someone team could count on for big points in her events

Lexi Tenenbaum, Maple Grove HS, fifth in platform diving

Yu Zhou, from Beijing, won 1-meter diving (365) and, with a pool record total, 3-meter diving (411.55) events and was second in platform diving (371.80). ... Named Diver of the Championships.

Comments: Zhou a budding star on the board.

FRESHMEN

Danielle Nack, Mankato HS, second in 200 butterfly (1:56.31), on third-place 200 freestyle relay and fourth place 200 and 400 medley relays

Comments: Lots of potential with these two.

SUMMARY

* This was the seven conference title overall for the Gophers.

* The conference swimming and diving coaches of the year will be named after the NCAA tournament.

* The NCAA meet will be held March 19-21 in Greensboro, N.C.