Jan. 31, 2014
Complete Results | Photo Gallery 
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – With victories in five of the six events, the University of Notre Dame women’s swimming and diving team got off to a great start on day one of the Shamrock Invitational at Rolfs Aquatic Center, as they carry a 79-31 lead over Iowa into the second and final day of the three-team meet. A loud crowd of 432 took in the first day, with many more expected back for day two.
Notre Dame bookended wins in the 200 IM, 50 free and 1-meter dive with victories in the 200 free and 400 medley relays to give the Irish a 48-point cushion. Northwestern joined the Hawkeyes at the meet, but the Irish and Wildcats dualed just a few short weeks ago so both head coaches chose not to keep score in their matchup.
The Irish opened day one in style as the foursome of Christen McDonough, Catherine Mulquin, Genevieve Heidkamp and Hannah Bowen won the 200 free relay in 1:33.27, besting second place Iowa by almost two seconds (1.88).
Emma Reaney continued to impress as she lowered her own pool record in the 200 IM by going 1:58.42. The Lawrence, Kan., native set the previous record of 1:58.95 Jan. 26, 2013. Freshman Katie Miller made the event a 1-2 finish for the Irish as she touched the pad in 2:00.99. Both times by Reaney and Miller were NCAA B cuts.
Notre Dame absolutely owned the 50 free as six of the first eight swimmers to finish were Irish blue and gold. Senior Kelly Ryan claimed first in 23.17, followed by McDonough (2nd – 23.62), Mulquin (3rd – 23.64) and Bowen (4th – 23.70). Senior Mikelle Masciantonio (T-6th – 24.30) and Heidkamp (8th – 24.32) rounded out the Irish domination.
“I was really happy with the 50 because that time rivaled my personal best,” said Ryan. “It was nice to race in a fast suit as well because it’s great practice for the upcoming ACC meet.
“The team got off to a great start tonight winning five events. It’s fun to see everyone swimming in the fast suits because it really does help.”
In diving, junior Allison Casareto claimed first on the 1-meter board by a wide margin with 324.70 points. Teammate Lindsey Streepey took second with 292.00 points.
Notre Dame rounded out the evening with a win in the 400 medley relay as Mulquin, McDonough, Bridget Casey and Bowen touched the pad in 3:46.55, 1.65 seconds ahead of second-place Northwestern.
The finale of the Shamrock Invitational gets underway at 10 a.m. Saturday with the night session set for 5 p.m. Fans that can’t make Rolfs Aquatic Center can follow day two through and the Meet Mobile App.
DAY ONE SCORES
Notre Dame 79, Iowa 31
Iowa 63, Northwestern 47
NCAA B CUTS (2)
200 IM (1:58.42): Emma Reaney
200 IM (2:00.99): Katie Miller
POOL RECORDS (1)
200 IM (1:58.42): Emma Reaney
IRISH VICTORIES (5)
200 Free Relay (1:33.27): Christen McDonough / Catherine Mulquin / Genevieve Heidkamp / Hannah Bowen
200 IM (1:58.42): Emma Reaney
50 Free (23.17): Kelly Ryan
1-Meter Dive (324.70): Allison Casareto
400 Medley Relay (3:46.55): Catherine Mulquin / Christen McDonough / Bridget Casey / Hannah Bowen
RUNNER-UP FINISHES (3)
200 IM (2:00.99): Katie Miller
50 Free (23.62): Christen McDonough
1-Meter Diving (292.00): Lindsey Streepey
— Russell Dorn, Assistant Media Relations Director
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