UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- The Penn State Nittany Lions mens and womens swimming and diving teams will host the Navy Midshipmen in a much anticipated early season matchup.
The Midshipmen and Nittany Lions will hit the water at 11 a.m. in McCoy Natatorium Saturday morning.
"They will be a very good challenge for us," said Penn State Head Coach Tim Murphy.
Both the mens and womens team enter the contest after impressive opening week showings against St. Bonaventure. The men's team won 211-89, while the women's team scored 212 points to beat the Bonnies.
The women's team enters the meet following a sweep of the Big Ten Weekly Awards.
Senior Cat Stanford was named Big Ten Swimmer of the week following a dominant opening meet showing. She took first place in the 100 and 200 free as well as being a leg on the 400 free and 200 medley winning teams.
Freshman Morgan Jenny won Freshman of the Week following an impressive collegiate debut. She won the 1000 free and also touched second in the 200 breast.
Freshman diver Abbey Ekstrom completed the sweep for the Nittany Lions earning Diver of the Week honors after she began her collegiate career winning both the one and three-meter dives.
They weren't the only Nittany Lions with impressive early showings. Senior Abby Henderson was solid for Penn State winning the 200 IM and 200 back. She continues to build upon a very solid career in Happy Valley.
The relay teams on the women's side enjoyed a strong start to open the 2023-24 campaign. Penn State swept the 200 yard medley and took the top spot in the 400 free relay.
On the men's side, several swimmers enter this weekend looking to capitalize on the momentum of last weekend's victory.
Junior Victor Bagnaha led the charge for Penn State cruising to victories in the 100 free and 50 fly.
Mariano Lazzerini also impressed with two dominant victories in the 100 and 200 breaststroke. He aims to continue some blazing fast opening week times against the Midshipmen.
Both relay teams showed strong early season poise. Penn State was able to sweep the 200 yard medley and took the top two spots in the 400 free medley getting very close to a sweep
Navy will begin the 2023-24 season in Happy Valley following an impressive 2022-23 campaign on both sides.
The men's team held a record of 9-3 last year while capturing a Patriot's League Title. They will return 30 lettermen from last season and 10 of their 12 All-Patriot League Honorees.
The men's team is led by captain Matt Murphy who qualified for the 2024 U.S Olympic Trials in the 200 breaststroke. He's enjoyed a very successful three years in Annapolis, and looks to begin an exciting senior campaign.
The Midshipmen hold a 7-5 advantage in the series against the Nittany Lions including a very close 150-148 win at Lejeune Hall last season. Penn State however is 4-1 against Navy in McCoy Natatorium.
For the Navy women, captain Theresa Milio headlines a very talented roster that returns many of their top swimmers from the 2022-23 season.
They also held a 9-3 record last season and were the Patriots League Winners for the 11th straight year.
Penn State holds the advantage over Navy in the women's series so far with a 12-1 record including a win last season 202.5-97.5.
The Nittany Lions will travel to West Virginia next weekend to take on the Mountaineers.
For updates on Penn State swimming and diving, follow the team on Instagram (@pennstateswimdive), Twitter (@PennStateSwim) and Facebook (Penn State Swimming & Diving).