Iowa State put up a strong effort against Minnesota on Saturday afternoon, but ultimately fell to the Gophers by a final score of 199-100. The Cyclones dropped to 1-1 on the season.

Minnesota, one of the toughest opponents Iowa State will face all season, served as a great challenge and learning experience for the Cyclones.

“I thought we raced extremely well,” said ISU coach Duane Sorenson. “Our times were much better than they were last weekend. I thought we competed really well with the Gophers today.”

The team was pleased with the fact they didn’t back down.

“I think we did a good job competing, racing and taking advantage of the fact that they’re a good team,” said Cyclone junior Tiana Wollin. “I don’t think we backed down against them.”

The Cyclones saw a standout performance from sophomore Imelda Wistey, who placed first in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:04.93, in addition to helping the Cyclones open the meet by placing first in the 200-medley relay with a time of 1:48.12.

“I just really wanted to race,” Wistey said. “That’s the best part about competing against a team as good as Minnesota and wanting to race my best. That really empowered me to do what I did today.

“I think we really stepped it up today.”

Cyclone freshmen Amanda Paulson and Britta Sortland placed first and second in the 50 freestyle with times of 24.51 and 24.58.

“Amanda Paulson and Britta Sortland just did outstanding,” Sorenson said. “It’s really good to see our young, new swimmers step up and come through.”

Cyclone senior diver Sarah Nelson placed second in the 1-meter with a score of 264.30. Nelson also placed third in the 3-meter with a score of 271.42.

“Overall we had some good and bad,” said ISU diving coach Jeff Warrick. “I thought Sarah Nelson did really well for us today, I was really happy with where she was. But we’ve got to be better, we’ve got to be more consistent.”

Sorenson was pleased with his team’s performance Saturday, but he knows there is always room for improvement. He said he hopes his team will use this performance to learn from and build upon moving forward.

The Cyclones return to action for dual meets on the road against South Dakota and South Dakota State on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 29 at 1 p.m.