Charger swimming split a double-dual meet at home on Nov. 16 at home, losing to Findlay University and beating Lewis University on senior day.

 

Senior Megan Clifford continued her dominant season in the 200-yard butterfly. Her time of 2:05.05 earned her Hillsdale’s only individual title on the day. She also placed second in the 100-yard butterfly.

 

Clifford said senior day gave her a chance to reflect on her time swimming at Hillsdale.

 

“My teammates inspire me every day to do everything I can with positivity and intention and push me to be my best self in every regard,” she said.

 

For points, the Chargers relied on podium finishes from multiple swimmers across the meet. Sophomore Inez McNichols contributed with a third place finish in the 100-yard butterfly. A pair of freshmen and a pair of seniors also helped the Chargers with podium finishes. Freshman Ella Shafer placed third in the 200-yard butterfly and freshman Matilyn Wilhelmsen placed second in the 200-yard breaststroke and third in the 1000-yard freestyle. Senior Joanna Burnham was the runner up in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 57.88 and senior Elise Mason rounded out the 500-yard freestyle podium with a time of 5:18.77.

 

The win over Lewis University came on the last event of the meet. The 200-yard relay team of Clifford, Schafer, senior Lucia Ruchti, and freshman Kathryn Vieceli placed third with a time of 1:40.02. Their podium finish turned a 4-point deficit into a 6-point lead over Lewis.

 

McNichols said the meet at home was the best one for the Chargers so far this season.

 

“I think the atmosphere this weekend was positive and competitive, which is great as we are looking towards our tough weekend ahead,” McNichols said.

 

The Chargers will compete in the Don Kimble Invite from Nov. 22– Nov. 24 in East Kentwood, MI.