Swimmers primed for big finish

The Warhawk men's and women's swimming and diving teams host UW-La Crosse Saturday at 1 p.m. in their final competition before the conference championship.

Facing off against the Eagles, who have several highly ranked individuals in conference, will be a challenge for the 'Hawks.

"They're traditionally No. 1, No. 2 [in the conference]," head coach Joel Rollings said. "We're looking more to tune up for conference, than we are to really swim against them as a dual meet."

Strong performances from freshman Bill Stenavich and sophomore Kaylyn Howley highlighted the afternoon last Saturday against the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds.

The men defeated the Blugolds, 134-108, to improve to 5-2, while the women were thumped, 138-89, falling to 4-3.

The 'Hawks were led by Stenavich, who notched three first-place finishes in the 200- and 100-yard freestyle and the 400-yard freestyle relay. He was joined in the relay by senior Mike Huffman, junior Eric Nord and sophomore Adam Altenburg.

"Billy had a good meet," Rollings said. "He competed well and that's what we're looking for."

The men swept the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard butterfly en route to their 26-point triumph over the Blugolds. Huffman led the way in the 50-yard freestyle, while sophomore Nate Glover finished first in the 100-yard butterfly.

Because the Blugolds traditionally are in the top three in conference, Stenavich is pleased with the win.

"We haven't beaten them in a really long time, so that was good," Stenavich said.

On the women's side, the 'Hawks were led by Howley, who won the 100-yard backstroke and placed second in the 200-yard freestyle behind Warhawk freshman Megan Kohnke.

"Kaylyn Howley did outstanding, and Megan Kohnke had some lifetime bests," Rollings said.

Senior Jayne Benson won both diving events, and sophomore Courtney Jenkins won the 100-yard butterfly for the 'Hawks, who recorded six season-best times.