The Hillsdale Chargers fell to the University of Findlay and Lewis University in a home meet on Saturday. Lewis edged the Chargers with a final score of 134-126, while Findlay won with a score of 191-88.
“This weekend was a good gauge of where we are as a team before we head into mid-seasons next weekend,” sophomore Katherine Heeres said. “Findlay and Lewis are both very strong teams and I am proud of how we rose to the challenge on Saturday.”
Heeres earned the Chargers their first placement of the meet with her second-place performance in the 1000-yard freestyle, finishing in 11 minutes and 9.86 seconds. Heeres also took second in the 200 backstroke.
“We had quite a few season-best times,” Heeres said. “In general, everyone seemed to feel good about where they’re at in terms of times.”
Senior Anika Ellingson said the meet, like the entire season, presented the Chargers with some challenges.
“Our coaches have been heavily pushing our training this year and we’ve battled several unexpected injuries as well,” Ellingson said. “Our goal is to take these in stride and keep moving forward and capitalize on the hand life has dealt us this season.”
Ellingson placed first in the 50 breaststroke with a time of 30.64. She also took second in the 200 breaststroke, and third in the 200 individual medley. She finished the 200 breast with a time of 2:27.31 while finishing the 200 IM at 2:20.32.
Junior Catherine Voisin took second in the 200 butterfly, finishing with a time of 2:13.92.
The Chargers A-team, made up of Heeres, sophomore Emma Rao, senior Suzanne DeTar, and junior Victoria Addis, took second in the 200 freestyle relay with a time of 1:41.50.
Head coach Kurt Kirner said the team is aiming to improve times and overall health before the G-MAC championships, which are in Canton, Ohio, in February.
The Chargers’ final event of the fall season is this weekend at the University of Chicago Invitational in Chicago, Illinois. The event will run from Friday through Sunday.
