The Laker Women struggled to win an event against NCAA DII Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) on Saturday.  Mavi Valentin was second in both the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke, Juliana Villa Rodriguez finished second in the 200 and 500 freestyle events and Liz Crewe-Brown ws second in the 100 breaststroke.  Valentin, Villa Rodriguez and Crewe-Brown, along with Maggie Jackson, were second in the 400 freestyle relay. 

This was the first home meet for SMSU since bringing the program back after nearly 40 years of non-existence.  SMSU was a NAIA powerhouse in the 1970's.  Coach Peters arranged the dual meet knowing there would be a great competitive atmosphere.  "I've been part of a new program myself and my teams have competed against three newly-formed programs in their first home meet in the past.  It is fun being part of history and helping new programs get started."  Saturday was a little more special because former Laker Swimmer, Gabriela Reis, and sister of current swimmer, Jacob Bohnert, both swim for the Mustangs.   

Reis and Crewe-Brown were part of one of the most exciting events of the afternoon as they competed against each other for the first time in the 200 IM.  The two were virtually tied after the butterfly leg and then Crewe-Brown pulled ahead during the backstroke.  Reis then battled back to pull ahead during the breaststroke and she pulled away to finish ahead of her former teammate.  It was an emotional race for both women.  "It was tough to have Liz (Crewe-Brown) get beat in that race, but I was also kind of rooting for Gabby (Reis) to have a good race too. Liz and Gabby are both great competitors and they bring out the best in each other.  They both had great races." Coach Peters remarked after the meet. 

The Laker Women and Men will compete again next week in Winona against St. Mary's University of Minnesota.