Courtesy: Hillsdale Athletic Department
The Hillsdale women’s swim team kicked off the season by placing third out of five teams at an invitational meet hosted by Oberlin College, Oct. 10-11.
The Chargers wrapped up the meet with 794 points, finishing 332.5 points over the Oberlin College Yeomen and 570 over the Malone University Pioneers. They were defeated by Ashland University, who came in second with 924 points, and Case Western Reserve University, who placed first with 1299.5 points.
According to head coach Kurt Kirner, this meet was about establishing solid base times and remaining competitive in technique.
“From there it was all about coming out saying it was our best effort. Our technique in starts, turns, and glides were above and beyond our opponents,” Kirner said. “Many of our freshmen had stellar performances for their first meet,” Kirner said.
Freshman Avery May placed first in the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:12:54 and in the 400 individual medley with a time of 4:40:32. She also came away with second place in the 1650 free at 18:09:90.
“I knew I was feeling good in the water and that I was prepared,” May said. “I mostly wanted to give my best effort and be intentional about executing my details during races.”
Freshman Kate Potwardowski won the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:09:29 and took second in the 200 IM at 2:16:27.
“I am really pleased with the work that I have been putting in the pool at practice and I think it already started to show at this first meet,” Potwardowski said. “I am looking forward to more fast racing and continuing to fulfill my part for our team.”
Other podium swims this weekend include junior Alyson Early’s second place finish in the 200 freestyle at 2:00:14 and freshman Sasha Babenko’s second place time of 2:08:50 in the 200 backstroke. The Chargers also took second in the 400 Medley relay with 4:01:06.
“All of our swimmers outpaced their seed times, which is a very good sign for this early in the season,” Kirner said.
Performances at the meet rallied team spirit and left swimmers with increased drive and optimism.
“The team was amazing during the meet,” May said. “I loved how encouraging and uplifting everyone was. We were constantly congratulating each other after races. The meet gave me things to work on and motivation to keep up the hard work.”
The team is competing against Lindsey Wilson University and North Central College at Bethel University in Elkhart, Indiana, Oct. 25.
