MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s swim & dive team Thursday placed many individuals on the podium at the MIAC Championships, tallying 200 points after day one to sit in second place. St. Thomas leads the field with 215 points, while third place St. Olaf has 131 points.
“It was a great first day,” Head Coach Jon Carlson said. “You have to step up in championship meets and both the men and women did that today. I’m so proud of what was accomplished today and it was a very exciting two sessions. There were so many times that dropped today, which makes us excited for what tomorrow holds.”
Maggie Webster (Jr., Apple Valley, Minn.) started the day by setting a new school record in the 50 freestyle. Webster’s preliminary 50 free race clocked in at 23.13, beating Alissa Tinklenberg’s record of 23.18 set in 2014. Webster went on to win the finals with a 2017 NCAA selection time of 23.25. Kate Reilly (Sr., Hastings, Minn.) was right behind in second place, touching the wall in 23.49 for another 2017 NCAA selection time. Both Webster and Reilly earned All-Conference for finishing in the top three. Alyssa Lokensgard (So., St. Peter, Minn.) took seventh with a time of 24.46.
Another gold medal was claimed by the 200 free relay team of Kennedy Holwerda (Sr., Willmar, Minn.), Webster, Lokensgard, and Reilly, finishing in 1:33.73, which was nearly a second faster than the 2017 NCAA selection time. The first place finish earned the relay team All-Conference honors.
The 200 IM race proved to be fruitful for the Gusties as they finished 2-3-6. Hayley Pesik (Jr., Eagan, Minn.) took second in 2:09.63, Holwerda placed third in 2:10.31, and Hailey Auran (Fy. St. Paul, Minn.) finished sixth in 2:12.67. Pesik and Holwerda earned All-Conference for their performances. The 400 medley relay team of Holwerda, Pesik, Reilly, and Lokensgard capped the night with a third place finish in 3:55.72, earning All-Conference as well.
The MIAC Championships resume tomorrow with sessions at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.