No. 16 Irish say aloha with vacation wins
By ANDREW SOUKUP
Sports Writer
Coasting off a No. 16 national ranking after the beginning of its 2000-2001 campaign, the women's swimming and diving team splashed into warmer waters during break with a training trip to Hawaii.
"It was a huge success," said freshman Danielle Hulick, who added with a laugh, "We survived."
The women's team endured long, strenuous practices aimed at increasing yardage and building endurance. The Irish work ethic and impressive team chemistry are two of the primary reasons why they are ranked No. 16 in the nation.
"If somebody is having a frustrating week, we'll sit down with them and say, "Hey, it's going to be okay'," Hulick said. "We go out there every day in practice thinking, "I'm going to make myself hurt for the team.'"
During the Hawaii training trip, Notre Dame defeated Iowa in a dual meet, 163-73. A week later, Notre Dame competed in the Wolverine Invitational against Illinois. The Irish beat the Illini, 200.5-145.5.
Although the Irish, already weary from a series of tough practices, didn't swim their best times, team members feel that success means sacrificing early-season times for quality championship meet performances.
"We may not be swimming our best times, but a part of doing well is training hard," Hulick said.
Junior Kelly Hecking continued her dominating performance in the backstroke. Against the Hawkeyes, she took first in the 50 and the 100 backstroke, and against the Illini, she took first place in the 100 backstroke.
"She doesn't put that much pressure on herself," said Hulick. "I've done some backstroke with her recently and we've talked about going one-two at Big East."
Freshman Marie Labosky, one of the Irish's most versatile swimmers, won three individual events over the holiday meets. She took first in the 200 and 400 individual medley against Illinois and won the 200 freestyle against Iowa.
The Irish were particular dominant against Iowa. They took 12 of a possible 14 first place finishes.
Sophomore Amy Deger turned in one of her best single meet performances of the year against the Hawkeyes. She took first place in the 50 and 100 butterfly as well as the 200 individual medley.
Hulick joined Hecking as a double-event winner in the Iowa meet as she won the 50 and the 100 freestyle.
Junior diver Heather Mattingly won both diving events at the Wolverine Invitational. Mattingly joined Labosky as the only two Irish athletes to win multiple events at the Wolverine Invitational.
Although Michigan and Oakland also competed in the meet, Notre Dame was only scored against Illinois.
The Irish have a difficult pair of meets next week. Next Thursday, the Irish will travel to Northwestern to take on the No. 20 Wildcats. The next day, the Irish will host No. 13 Michigan.
All Sports Stories for Thursday, January 18, 2001
