On Saturday, the Badgers swimming and diving team took a trip to South Bend, Ind., for the Notre Dame Shamrock Invitational hoping to find their lucky charms.
Overall, the Badgers had an excellent showing. The women came away with an invitational win, narrowly beating out Notre Dame by less than 150 points. The men placed second behind the Fighting Irish.
The men’s team shined in the 400 meter free relay. Coming in at 2:54.72, their performance was good enough for a pool record and the eighth fastest time in school history. That wasn't their only impressive showing: Cannon Clifton, Matt Hutchins, Ryan Stack and Brett Pinfold added another pool record in the 800 free relay, clocking in at a brisk 6:30.25. Clifton was also the winner of the 100 yard fly and 100 yard free, finishing in :47.51 and a pool record of :43.05, respectively.
Not to be outdone on the relay, Beata Nelson, Jess Unicomb, Marissa Berg and Chase Kinney won the 200 yard medley relay at 1:39.85. Nelson wasn’t satisfied with the medley win, as she ended the day taking first place in three additional individual races: The 100 yard fly (:54.24), 100 yard backstroke (:54.08) and a pool record effort in the 200 yard backstroke (1:55.59).
In diving, Ashley Peterson led the way for the Badgers, placing second in the one-meter board with 292.90 points.
Up next for the Badgers is a dual meet against Green Bay at the UW Natatorium Friday. They will look to maintain their record-breaking times at home this week.
