Meet Results
 
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Holding on to yesterday's lead, the Missouri State swimming and diving team made out with three victories as both teams beat South Dakota and the women's team downed Big-12 member Kansas, Saturday afternoon at Robinson Natatorium.
 
The men's team posted a 224-123 win over South Dakota while the women dominated the Coyotes, 267-85. Grinding out a big victory for the Bears, the women also took down the Kansas Jayhawks, winning the dual 188-164.
 
"We had a great team weekend in Lawrence," head coach Dave Collins said. "I am so proud of the way our women performed from top to bottom. We had great leadership from our upperclassmen, paired with some gutsy performances from some freshmen."
 
Following yesterday's trend, the women's team scored big points in numerous events. Junior Josie Pearson stood out once again, bringing in first-place finishes in the 400 IM (4:24.86) and 100 fly (56.39). Pearson concluded her individual events with a second-place finish in the 200 breast (2:22.13).
 
"We came into this meet as underdogs and it was awesome to see how all of us girls rallied behind one another, making every point count," Pearson said. "We just made a huge statement by taking down a Big 12 team and I'm so glad that I got to be a part of that."
 
Another Bear who carried yesterday's success over today was Libby Howell, who claimed the 500 free in 4:58.43 for her third victory of the weekend.
 
"I'm really happy with how great our team dynamic is," Howell said. "As a freshman, I've never experienced that before and it's such an amazing thing to be a part of. The team atmosphere is what really pushed me to be able to win for the first times at a collegiate level. I'm so excited to see what the rest of the season has to offer."
 
Senior Sydney Zupan was the other swimmer on the women's side to earn a victory as she took the 200 back with a time of 2:02.62 – just before teammate Sarah Allegri. The women took second in the day's relays, finishing just behind Kansas in the 200 and 400 free relay events.
 
The Missouri State divers saw their share of success as well. Newcomers Ashley Yarbrough and Michael Claunch each picked up huge victories in their respective events. Yarbrough was masterful on the 3-meter board, bringing in 292.55 points which makes her fifth in the all-time record books.
 
"I'm very happy with my performance, but I couldn't have done it without the support of my teammates," Yarbrough said. "It was very encouraging to have done so well against such respectable teams."
 
Representing the men's divers, Claunch earned a first-place finish as well, capturing the 1-meter board with 274.40 points.
 
"Working with such a young team can have challenges, but not with this team," diving coach James Huelskamp said. "They are gifted, talented and ready to work. This weekend was proof of the hard work they put into practice. I felt this weekend was going to be the meet that the divers were going to break out and shine."
 
The men's swimmers had no trouble handling the Coyotes, breaking out massive wins in the 200 and 400 free relays. The men boasted six individual winners while earning an additional second and third-place finishes in the 400 and 200 free relays, respectively.
 
Senior William Frisbie earned his first victory of the season, completing the 200 back with a time of 1:53.53. Sophomore Conner Ripp touched the wall first in the 100 fly (52.48) and junior Artur Osvath picked up his second B-cut of the season, touching the wall first in the 200 breast with a time of 1:58.14.
 
Other Bears to earn victories were Christopher Heye (400 IM, 4:00.16), Minki Kang (500 free, 4:36.12) and Will Brand (100 free, 46.72).
 
"I was extremely impressed with how everyone swam this weekend," Brand said. "We were able to come together as a team and just have fun. This meet with set the tone for the duel against Drury this Friday, and the next few weeks of training."
 
Missouri State's efforts against Kansas and South Dakota will make its mark in the program record book as both teams came out with historic performances. The men's and women's victory marks the first win in its inaugural meetings against South Dakota. On an even bigger note, the women's team earned its first victory against the Jayhawks in program history.
 
"Any time you can win on the road against a Power 5 program, it's a good day," Collins added. "We feel like this is just the beginning of what our women's group can accomplish. Our men continue to perform at a high level and are always pushing each other to be better. We will enjoy these wins and, on Monday, get refocused for our meet against Drury."
 
Coming Up Next
The Bears return to action next week for its annual homecoming meet at Hammons Student Center.  For all the latest information on the Missouri State swimming and diving team, visit missouristatebears.com or follow @MoStateSwim on Twitter.