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Crimson Tide, Tigers hand Michigan unexpected losses

The second-ranked Michigan women swimmers found themselves in an unusual position after being upstaged by the Tigers and Crimson Tide.

Instead of dominating their opponents, the Wolverines became entangled in a rivalry of two SEC powerhouses -- Auburn and Alabama -- and dropped two dual meets.

"Anytime Alabama and Auburn get together, it brings out the best in both," Alabama head coach Chuck Horton said. "Michigan has a great team, but they got caught in one of the biggest rivalries today."

The first upset of the Wolverines came at the hands of 10th-ranked Auburn, 88-52, at the Martin's Aquatic Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Later, the Michigan swimmers lost to No. 12 Alabama, 81-59.

Although both losses were frustrating, head coach Jim Richardson explained the losses by pointing to the different stages of the training sessions for the three teams.

"Alabama and Auburn swam extremely well, but they are 10 days away from their conference meet," Richardson said.

Events like the 200 medley revealed the extreme quickness of the SEC squads. Alabama won the race, followed by Auburn and, finally, Michigan.

Richardson pointed out that as a team arrives at its conference meet, its fitness, quickness and stamina should be peaking. Michigan has not reached this stage.

Nevertheless, the Wolverines put up a number of inspired performances, including that of Kerry Hale, who captured the 1650 freestyle, finishing almost 10 full seconds ahead of the nearest competitor, Alabama's Ann-Soefie Joensson.

Talor Bendel achieved a career best when she broke 1:50 with a time of 1:48.64 en route to victory in the 200 freestyle. In addition, Linda Riker garnered a fourth-place finish in the 100 backstroke (57.1).

Freshman Cathy O'Neill picked up a fourth-place finish in the 100 backstroke when she finished two seconds behind Auburn's sophomore Michelle Hall.

"I swam well considering I had problems early in the week with my back," O'Neill said.

However, the highlights of the dual meet were not the real story for the Wolverines. Michigan remains plagued by illness and a slew of injuries.

Both Jodi Navta and Rachel Gustin sustained injuries that prevented the two swimmers from making the trip, while Beth Jackson tested positive for mononucleosis.

"We're concerned about Rachel's tendinitis in her shoulder," Richardson said. "She did her first swimming on Friday."

The ability to swim against top competition with so much adversity facing the Wolverines poses a challenge to the mettle of the team.

"It's a good test to run into teams that are ranked and see if we can stick to our guns," Richardson said.

Richardson looks forward to a re-energized squad and a different result in the NCAA tournament.

"You never like to get beat," Richardson said. "These are teams that we will be facing in the end."

Michigan's Melissa Stone summed up the team's performance.

"We stood up when we need to," Stone said. "We are pleased where we are."