Results

Lawrence, Kan. – Picking up a pair of team victories and 10 individual decisions, the Missouri State swimming and diving team closed out the final day of the double duel here Saturday afternoon.
 
The men ran away with the 259-94 win over South Dakota, while the women split the duel, cruising to a 235-117 advantage against South Dakota and falling to Big 12-member Kansas, 219-128.
 
Missouri State matched its efforts yesterday with 12 first-place finishes, nine for the men and three for the women. The Bears saw 30 crack the top-three standings.
 
The Bears carried on yesterday's success with the men taking the top spot in the 200 medley and 800 freestyle. The women earned third place in each of those races, respectively.
 
Artur Osvath replicated his performance from day one, earning first place in the 200 butterfly (1:48.37) and 200 IM (1:51.47). He was also part of team that won the 200 medley, along with teammates Thomas Heye, Blair Bish, and Samuel Senn.
 
"This was a tough meet for a lot of us physically," said Osvath. "I'm proud of how mentally tough we were to stay positive and have some good times."
 
Bish and Bryce Blattner also earned top times in the 100 breast (56.58) and 100 back (51.88), respectively.
 
Lucas Paloschi won the 50 free for the second time this weekend, touching the wall at the 21.13-second mark. He was followed by teammates Senn and Jake Schultz, rounding out the top three in the Bears favor.
 
"Our team did a good job in this meet after a tough week of practice," said Paloschi. "We still have some aspects to improve on for the upcoming meets, but the team atmosphere was electric and we have to carry this for the rest of the season."
 
On the women's side, Libby Howell and Josie Pearson claimed wins in the 1000 freestyle and 200 butterfly, respectively. Pearson also cracked the top two in the 200 IM, clocking in at 2:07.44.
 
"Our team had some good moments this weekend," said Pearson. "It is important for us to have these learning experiences so we can be ready for the end of the season."
 
Anna Miler also pulled off a second-place finish in the 50 free.
 
"We have to give Kansas credit, they were ready for us and grabbed the momentum early in the meet and we were unable to get it back," said head coach Dave Collins. "We did some things well and had some performances that were solid, and I am hopeful this meet will serve as a learning experience for our athletes and coaches."
 
Diving impressed during the second day of competition with both Ashley Yarbrough and Michael Claunch claiming the first-place rank in their events.
 
Yarbrough's 258.80 points helped her remained undefeated at the Kansas invite. Her performance qualifies her for the NCAA Zone Diving Championships. The Bears have not had a female diver compete at the championships in five years.
 
"I am very happy with my performance this weekend, but I couldn't have done it without my teammates," said Yarbrough. "It was encouraging to have done well against respectable teams and I am excited for the rest of the season."
 
Claunch collected 299.95 points to stay undefeated on the one-meter board.
 
"I'm proud of the way I competed today," said Claunch. "I dove well and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."
 
Missouri State will host its first meet at Hammons Student Center against Drury on Friday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m.
 
For the latest information on the Missouri State swimming and diving team, visit missouristatebears.com or follow @MoStateSwim on Twitter.