The Iowa State women’s swimming team had a tough time at the Big 12 Relays in Ames Friday, as the Cyclones managed only 36 points to place last out of the five Big 12 schools competing at the event.

Texas, ranked 13th nationally, took home first place in the relays with a score of 99, while Texas A&M and Kansas tied for second with 86 points each.

Missouri placed fourth with 67 points.

Though ISU was not expected to place any higher against the stiff Big 12 competition, Cyclone head coach Duane Sorenson said he expected a stronger performance from his young squad.

“They thought way too much about their races rather than having fun,” Sorenson said. “They didn’t swim very relaxed. They were very scared and talked themselves out of the race before it started.”

Sorenson said ISU did look good at times throughout the eight relay events they participated in, citing strong performances by swimmers Rena Kelinson, Kelly Yates and Carmella Nogar in the 1500-yard freestyle relay.

ISU placed fifth in the event with a time of 15:39.96, while Kelinson swam a personal best time of 5:09.

“We were competitive with the other teams on the short relays,” Sorenson said. “It shows we have the ability. We just need to put it together in longer races.”

ISU also received a solid effort from the Cyclone diving squad.

The diving duo of Allison Wager and Thea Hoeg gave ISU a fourth place finish with a score of 220.47.

Cyclone diving coach Jeff Warrick said he was especially pleased with his team’s constancy and effort on the one-meter dive.

“I thought they did well, and overall, I was happy with everyone’s one-meter performances,” Warrick said. “They weren’t their best dives, but they were consistent.”

Warrick said Hoeg did an excellent job after suffering an injury when her feet hit a board during a practice dive last week.

“It took over the weekend to see a difference,” Warrick said. “I think by Wednesday she wasn’t feeling it much, and it didn’t seem to affect her diving.”

ISU next competes against Missouri and Southern Illinois on Friday and Saturday at Beyer pool. Sorenson said his team will have nothing to lose against the favored Tigers on Friday, while Saturday’s contest with the Salukies should be a close one.

“At the Missouri meet we’re going to go out there to swim personal best times and have fun,” Sorenson said. “We’ll try and swim what we’re capable of doing, all the pressure is on them.

“The Southern Illinois meet has been a barn burner the past two years. It’ll probably be the same this year. It should be exciting.”