MANKATO, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus College women’s swimming and diving team got its first taste of intercollegiate competition on Saturday afternoon, as it competed against Minnesota State University, Mankato at the Highland Pool. Team scores were not recorded, however, the Gusties recorded 10 individual event top-3 finishes, including Leah Anderson’s (Apple Valley, Minn.) first place finish in the 100-yard freestyle.
“It was a fun way to start off the season,” said Coach Jon Carlson. “Both teams wanted to get some competition against teams other than themselves, and both teams competed very hard. I thought MSU swam very well…Nate Owens is doing a great job over there. I’m hoping we can do a little bit better against them next weekend at our place when we swim regular events rather than full.”
Anderson’s first place finish in the 100-yard freestyle was the lone Gustie win on the day, but the Black and Gold secured several second place finishes, including Michelle Simms in the 50-yard backstroke, Kate Reilly (So., Hastings, Minn.) in the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard freestyle, and Anderson in the 200-yard freestyle.
Both the Gustavus men and women’s swimming and diving teams will return to action next Saturday when they host Minnesota State, Mankato and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at 1 p.m.