The Iowa State Cyclone women’s swim team fell short against the Illinois State Redbirds on Saturday night at Beyer Hall Pool.

The final score was 167-144, but ISU Coach Duane Sorenson said his swimmers continue to record seasonal best times.

“The girls are working hard and they are doing everything I ask of them,” Sorenson said. “I was very happy with the girls’ times,” he said.

“It was a real up and down meet when it came to placing. Going one, three in the 200 medley relay , then placing three, four, five in the 200 free was a great way to start the meet,” he said.

Kelly Lorenz lead off the winning 400 medley relay with a split time of 1:00.9 in the 100 backstroke. She continued to gain points for the Cyclones by winning the 100 backstroke in 1:00.34 and the 200 backstroke in 2:10.38.

Sorenson said Lorenz swam a smart 200 backstroke race. He said the second half of the meet went better because the women fought back and focused on swimming fast after the one-meter diving competition.

Sorenson said the strong second half performers included Mara Paape, who won the 100 butterfly with a seasonal-best time of 1:00.49, Kim Reid, who won the 200 breaststroke, and A-Lisa Miles who won the 400 individual medley and placed second in the 200 breaststroke.

In addition, Aleisha Kraft and Erin Cowan placed first and second respectively in the one-meter competition.

Cowan was also the Cyclones’ top finisher by placing third in the three-meter event.

Sorenson said the team is preparing and looking forward to the Minnesota Invite November 21-23.