Women are runners-up at Big Tens

Shakespeare was the outstanding scorer of the meet for Michigan, garnering 54 points. Besides her second-place finish in the100 free, she finished first in the 200 IM and second in the 100 breaststroke.

She was also the anchor on the 400 free and 800 free relays that both took first and swam the second leg of the 200 medley relay that took first as well.

Eberwein, who returned to the Wolverines after a two month lay off from Epstein-Barr syndrome, finished her Big Ten swimming career with 18 Big Ten titles - six individual and 14 on relays. Four of those titles came this weekend, as she also swam in the 200 medley and 400 and 800 free relays to go with her individual title in the 100 free.

The Michigan women's swimming and diving team couldn't overcome Minnesota this season, and saw their streak of 12 Big Ten titles come to an end. KRISTIN GOBLE/Daily

"I really had no idea what to expect and I just wanted to come and see what I could do." Eberwein said. "By the last day, I just figure that I would give everything that I had left and see what happened."

Also winning an individual title for Michigan was senior Cathy O'Neill who won the 400 IM. It was O'Neill's first Big Ten title for the Wolverines.

Jen Crisman won the 100 backstroke, setting a Big Ten record with her time of 54.23.

"After years of being with this team and working hard for it, I just didn't want to let anyone down," O'Neill said. "I love everyone of (my teammates) and they were all in the pool with me."

Despite not winning individual titles, Sugar and freshman Lindsay Carlberg, and junior Jenny Arndt were also factors in Michigan's strong performance.

All three participated in the relays that won Big Ten titles and qualified for NCAAs. Carlberg also finished second in the 200 back and third in the 100 back.

"I was really excited because this is my first time," Carlberg said. "I just wanted to do the best for our team because we needed it this year."

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