University Park, Pa. – The Big Ten tabbed three Penn State swimming & diving athletes for weekly awards after their strong season-opening performances on the road against Navy and Boston College. Sophomore Victor Baganha won the men's Big Ten Swimmer of the Week while freshmen Julia Meisner and Mariano Lazzerini collected the women's and men's freshmen of the week honors.
Victor Baganha:
Baganha earned a pair of individual event victories on the road, propelling the Nittany Lions to a win over Boston, 212-86, and a close loss to Navy, 148-150. The first-time honoree also swam the fly leg in the winning 200 Medley Relay (1:28.81).
"Victor continues to lead the way for our men's program," said head coach Tim Murphy.
Mariano Lazzerini:
Lazzerini helped Penn State's breaststroke squad sweep their events of the day by winning the 100 (54.55) and touching second in the 200. Alongside Baganha, he also helped the Nittany Lions to a decisive 200 Medley Relay victory (1:28.81).
Julia Meisner:
Meisner led Penn State in individual victories as the team decidedly beat Navy, 202.50-97.50, and Boston, 217-82, on the road. In her first in-season collegiate meet she triumphed in the 200 Fly by nearly four seconds and the 200 IM (2:04.14).
"Julia (Meisner) and Mariano (Lazzerini) are having an immediate impact in contributing to our team effort," said Murphy.
Next Up:
The Nittany Lions remain on the road for their next matchups against the Panthers and the Fighting Irish, October 21-22 at Pitt's Trees Pool.
Keep up with the Penn State swimming & Diving by following the team on Instagram (@PennStateSwimDive), Twitter (@PennStateSWIM) and Facebook (Penn State Swimming & Diving).
