MANKATO, MINN. -- Freshman standout Ilinde du Plessis of the University of Sioux Falls Swimming Team registered an NCAA DII "B" cut at the Maverick Invite held at Mankato, Minn., on Saturday. The competition included six events which held to give competitors an opportunity to try for qualifying times for the NCAA DII Championships on March 17-20 at Birmingham, Ala. The NCAA will announce the national competitors on March 6.

At the Maverick Invite today, du Plessis won the 200 yard backstroke in 2:01.93 which bettered her mark of 2:02.65 set in finishing second at the NSIC Swimming and Diving Championships. As a result, USF now has 10 "B" cuts this season as the Cougars await the NCAA announcement. 

"We are so excited that Ilinde was able to lower her 200 back time and move up the national rankings," said USF Head Coach Chris Hamstra. "Now we wait until the NCAA Invite list is release to see how we do. We want to thank MSU Mankato for hosting and providing NSIC swimmers with this last chance opportunity," he said.

Also on Saturday, senior Jenna Krahn won the 50-yard free in 23.75 for her 12th individual title of the season but didn't improve on her top time in the event. She clocked a 23.45 at the NSIC Championships for her top "B" cut in the sprint. Senior Chantal Kasch had a 2:21.64 in winning the 200 breast. However, Kasch had a 2:18.29 in the 200 breast prelims at the NSIC Championships. Junior Lizzy Spaans won the 100 back in 57.29. Spaans had a 56.04 in winning the 100 back at the NSIC Championships.