Toledo, Ohio - The University of Toledo women's swimming and diving team won, 188-105, over Youngstown State on Saturday in the Rockets' final dual meet of the fall. The Rockets earned 15 event victories and registered 26 top-three finishes. The meet was highlighted by freshman diver Joelle Gallais hitting the NCAA zone "C" qualifying mark in the 1- and 3-meter diving events.
 
"I think we stepped up and raced pretty well today," head coach Jonas Persson said. "We focused on the smaller details, put together some nice races, and took what we've been doing in practice into the meet. Today was one of our better dual meets just because we had a chance to focus on ourselves and take care of business."
 
On the diving boards, Gallais won in dominating fashion. In the 1-meter, the freshman earned a score of 279.83, 72 points ahead of YSU's Kayla Wrasman. In addition to being a zone "C" qualifying time, Gallais' score ranks third all-time at UT.
 
Gallais followed up in the 3-meter with a score of 291.08, 73 points ahead of Wrasman. Gallais' total ranks fourth-best all-time at UT.
 
"Joelle was very consistent today," diving coach Gabby Agostino said. "We've been working on her hurdles and consistency a lot recently and today she just put everything together."
 
In the pool, the Rockets came out just as strong. The opening 200 medley relay "A" team of sophomore Kristen Straszacker, senior Jessica Avery, junior Duda Sales and sophomore Alida Ramden took first after finishing in 1:47.90, two seconds ahead of the second place UT "B" squad.
 
Sophomore sprinter Lisa Eriksson continued her strong start to the season, posting a 24.64 in the 50 freestyle. Her time was two seconds off from hitting the NCAA B-cut mark. She also won the 100 Free, touching the wall at 53.38.
 
Additionally, Avery, Sales, freshman Jovana Duric and Straszacker all recorded individual victories in two events. Avery won the 100 breast (1:05.39) and 200 breast (2:23.77) events, Sales won the 100 fly (56.99) and 200 fly (2:06.28), Duric swept the 1,650 free (17:36.74) and 500 free (5:08.93), and Straszacker rounded off the day with victories in the 100 back (57.64) and 200 IM (2:11.06).
 
Up Next
The Midnight Blue and Gold return to the water at the end of the month for Akron's Zippy Invitational (Nov. 30—Dec. 2).
 
"That'll be a week where we get a little more rest, put the fast suit on, and see what we can do in a more focused, championship environment," said Persson.
 
 
Toledo victories:
200 Medley Relay
"A" team: Kristen Straszacker, Jessica Avery, Duda Sales, Alida Ramden – 1:47.90
 
1,650 Free
Jovana Duric – 17:36.74
 
100 Back
Kristen Straszacker – 57.64
 
100 Breast
Jessica Avery – 1:05.39
 
200 Fly
Duda Sales – 2:06.28
 
50 Free
Lisa Eriksson – 24.64
 
1-Meter Dive
Joelle Gallais – 279.83
 
100 Free
Lisa Eriksson – 53.38
 
200 Back
Ashley Jeffreys – 2:07.02
 
200 Breast
Jessica Avery – 2:23.77
 
500 Free
Jovana Duric – 5:08.93
 
100 Fly
Duda Sales – 56.99
 
3-Meter Dive
Joelle Gallais – 291.08
 
200 IM
Kristen Straszacker – 2:11.06
 
200 Free Relay
"A" Team: Duda Sales, Sophie Taylor, Ashley Jeffreys, Lisa Eriksson – 1:37.81