Hawkeye Invitational: Nebraska Women Storm to Title Behind Gena Jorgensen
The Nebraska Cornhuskers staved off tough competition to claim victory in the Hawkeye Invitational at the University of Iowa over the weekend. Nebraska came away with 1368 points, followed closely by San Diego State with 1238 and Arkansas with 1187. Illinois came in fourth with 987.5 points, followed by Iowa(879), Kansas(809), Colorado State(631), Iowa State(533.5), and Northern Iowa(429).
Nebraska’s depth showed throughout the meet, with multiple swimmers collecting first-place finishes in their respective events. Gena Jorgensen was one star, dominating the meet’s distance events with wins in the 500 and the 1650 freestyles, going 4:41.89 and 16:07.95, respectively. Maia Hall also showed out, securing wins in both breaststroke events. The senior broke her own schol record in the 100, blasting a mark of 59.87. Sophomore Beatrix Tanko won the 100 fly, using a speedy finish to eke out a win in 53.46.
San Diego State had a strong meet as well, with its top swimmers leading the Aztecs to second place in the team standings. Abby Storm took victories in the meet’s backstroke events, winning the 100 and 200 in 52.32 and 1:55.11. Meredith Smithbaker dominated the sprint freestyle events, finishing in 22.42 and 48.83. Mai Mckenna scored a win in the 200 butterfly, winning in a convincing 1:58.46.
Arkansas had a solid weekend, highlighted by its relay performances. The team took wins in the 200 and 400 free relays, with great finishes in both to edge out Nebraska and SDSU. Becca Simpson also scored a win in the 200 freestyle in 1:47.16.
Iowa’s Olivia Swalley put on a show for the home crowd. The Hawkeye claimed victory in the 200 individual medley and shattered the team record in the 400 IM with a 4:10.54.
Illinois prevailed in the 200 medley relay, with a team of Sophia Paduano, Kayla Duran, Logan Kuehne, and Isabella Wilhelm winning in 1:38.84.
Nebraska sealed the meet victory with a win in the 800 free relay. A team of Tanko, Giulia Marchi, Maisie Gilford, and Jorgensen won the race with a 7:14.79.
Gena Jorgensen