Just five weeks into training, swimming and diving opened its season with an exhibition meet at Michigan State.

The Illini traveled to East Lansing, Mich., Saturday to take on the Spartans before the Illinois-Michigan State football game.

“That was part of the reason MSU wanted to do it, because the football teams were playing each other,” said Illinois swimming and diving head coach Sue Novitsky. “It was sort of a promotional thing.”

While Illinois failed to get a victory on the football field, the Illini had more success in the pool. Senior Kirsten Koepcke and sophomore Barbie Viney won two events each; Koecke took first in the 400 and 800 free and Viney earned the top spots in the 200 and 100 free.

“Kirsten and Barbie are definitely good leaders and great competitors,” Novitsky said. “I expect that from them and everyone on the team. Everyone can step up on their own and compete; those two did a great job at the meet Saturday.”

Michigan State closed in at the Illini’s heals in all four races; junior Tesla Hughes finished behind Koepke in the 400 and 800 free, while freshman Amanda Wyman took second in the 100 and 200 free races.

Illinois took the top four spots in the 200 IM, led by freshman Meghan Bradley. Bradley touched the wall in 2:34.25.

The meet was an opportunity for Novitsky to see how the freshmen faired in competition, and Bradley was not the only one who proved she has the potential to be an asset to the team.

“Kellie Stevens had terrific races. She was in some definite fights in the middle of her races,” Novitsky said. “Mallory Kraft had hard back-to-back races and she stepped in and did a great job.”

One adjustment for Illinois was competing in an outdoor pool in the cool October weather. While the water was 83 degrees, the morning air coupled with a strong breeze made it feel cold on the deck.

“I just told them: ‘You have no control over the weather; you have to get warmed up and stay warm,'” Novitsky said.

Novitsky said identifying the areas where the team needs improvement will be easier after seeing the swimmers compete.

“The biggest thing we still need to continue working on is our overall fitness level,” Novitsky said. “And just working on the little details, keep sharpening them up – they add us to a lot of time that can be cut.”