A butterfly swimmer looks towards the finish.
A Gustie eyes for the competition during a breath.
A swimmer breaches out of the water to make the most of each stroke.
The Gustavus women’s swimming and diving team finished second at the Gustavus Invitational at Lund Natatorium on Saturday behind Division II Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Gusties claimed 785 points, only 101 points behind #4-ranked MSU, Mankato. MSU-Moorhead took third with 560.5 points, while St. Thomas finished fourth at 511.5 points and Saint Mary’s took fifth at 100 points. Coach Carlson’s squad grabbed four top finishes in the last meet before the MIAC Championships.
The Gusties showed strength in the 500 freestyle and the 400 IM by claiming the top two spots in each race. Larkin Davis brought in first-place in the 400 IM (4:53.34) and second-place in the 500 freestyle (5:26.64). Carrie Gundersen finished first in the 500 freestyle (5:21.64), while Marnie Luke took second in the 400 IM (4:54.74).
Anika Erickson continued to make her mark as a Gustie with a win in the 200 breaststroke (2:28.45) and second in the 100 breaststroke (1:09.41). Erica Hickey was the other Gustavus first-place winner in the 200 butterfly as she touched the wall in 2:19.13. Christi O’Connor rounded out the top finishers as she took second-place in the 200 backstroke (2:15.41).
Gustavus will defend its conference title at the MIAC Championships on February 14-16 at the University of Minnesota Aquatics Center.