FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Idaho swimming and diving team battled late but couldn't contain its strong start as the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks posted a 167-133 victory over the Vandals on Saturday afternoon at the Walls Aquatic Center.
Second-year standout
Ginger Kiefer continued to show why she is one of the best swimmers in the conference, helping lead the Vandals to four victories with three individual wins, one top finish in the 200 medley relay (1:42.64) and a pool record in the 200 IM.
Despite the loss, the Vandals recorded seven wins and three runner-up finishes against the defending WAC Champions.
Ella Haskins, Kiefer, the 200 free relay team and the 200 medley team each recorded a victory.
The Vandals gained momentum right from the jump, winning right out of the gate in the 200 medley as Kiefer,
Rylie Moxham,
Grace Ruble and Haskins placed first in 1:42.64.
Two events later Kiefer added nine more points to the Vandal score with a first-place finish in the 100 backstroke (54.55).
Haskins went back-to-back in the 50 and 100 freestyle to keep Idaho in contention. She finished first with a time of 23.28 in the 50 free before following it up with another top finish in the 100 (51.22) to add a total of 18 points.
Kiefer made it two straight Vandal victories after a top finish in the 200 backstroke. She touched the wall at 2:00.10 to finish just .03 seconds off the pool record (2:00.07).
Four races later, Kiefer added her fourth victory of the day with a pool record 2:03.34 in the 200 IM.
The 200 free relay team of
Madelynn Butler, Rubel,
Sydney Heasman and Haskins rounded out the meet with a pool record time of 1:33.78 to finish out competition on a strong suit.
The Vandals look to get back on track next week with a home meet against Seattle U on Saturday, November 9 at 11 a.m. PST.
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