The ISU swimming and diving team returned to action but was defeated by Missouri.

Despite finishing first in six of the twelve events, the Cyclones lost by a count of 167-133 on Saturday. It was the team’s first meet in over a month and a half since defeating Iowa on Dec. 8.

The loss moves Iowa State’s dual meet record to 3-2.

Head coach Duane Sorenson said he was pleased with his team’s effort against a strong Missouri team.

“I was happy with how our women swam. We did a good job of competing with Missouri,” Sorenson said. “They are a good team and they have been getting votes for the top 25.”

The Tigers took the early lead by winning the first three events, all of which were close.

Sorenson said if things had gone the other way, the first three events could have been huge for the Cyclones.

“We swam well in the first three events, but lost and that set the tone for the rest of the meet,” he said.

“If we win those three, we get 17 points added to our score and subtracted from theirs making it a tie. After that, anything could have happened.”

Pacing the Cyclones was the always-consistent Petra Plaminkova. The sophomore brought home titles in the 100 and 200 breaststroke events.

Her time in the 100 (104.54) was a career-best. Plaminkova also finished second to teammate Carmella Nogar in the 200 individual medley, and was part of the 200 medley relay that placed second.

“I was really happy with my times in this meet. We have been working hard, and all this practice will pay off hopefully for the Big 12 meet,” Plaminkova said.

Nogar was also happy with her performance.

“I had a good race,” she said of her victory over her teammate. “I was really ready. Coach said we needed to go fast, and I was ready to do it.”

Senior Amber McDowell won the 200 butterfly while sophomores Melissa Jensen and Sonja Groning brought home titles in the 200 backstroke and the 100 butterfly.

The team will next head to Nebraska for two meets in two days.

On Friday they take on Nebraska, and the following day the Cyclones will travel to Omaha where they will face the University of Nebraska-Omaha and Northern Colorado.

“This weekend will simulate the conference meet for us,” Sorenson said. “It will get our women prepared to race hard two days in a row.”