EVANSTON, Ill - The Nittany Lions kicked off the new year with a bang on the road in Chicago, downing the University of Chicago Maroons, and dropping a Big Ten matchup against Northwestern Wildcats.
“I was pleased with our efforts today as we were able to compete after coming off two weeks of winter training. Their execution in the water and on the boards helped us see our abilities and performances under these demanding circumstances. It is also forecasting what we envision to be a successful championship season,” said coach Hollie Bonewit-Cron.
Against the Maroons, the Nittany Lions posted a dominant 205.0 to 86.00 victory. Facing the Wildcats, Penn State dropped a 207.00-88.00 loss.
Top Swims:
Morgan Moore added another podium finish to her dominant season so far with a 9:59.26 finish in the 1000 Free, good for second place. Moore added another second place finish in the 500 Free with a 4:53.69. Freshman Julia Barto followed suit for a fourth place finish in the 500 Free as well.
Senior Margaret Markvardt posted a fast first place finish in the 100 Back with a 53.37, and the 100 Fly with a 53.13 to kickstart the calendar year. The Estonia native closed out a successful outing with a silver in the 200 IM with a 2:00.19.
Junior Catherine Meisner finished second in the 200 Free with a 1:47.53.
Audrey Cohen touched third in the 100 Breast, soon followed by Mackenzie Pagett in fifth.
Relays:
In a strong start to the day and year, the 200 Medley relay team consisting of Margaret Markvardt, Ellie Brandbergh, Audrey Cohen and Catherine Meisner finished third with a 1:41.52.
The 400 Free relay touched third as well with a 3:27.84, with strong contributions from Morgan Moore, Molly Carson, Audrey Cohen and Nya Robinson.
Diving:
Kailey Koval tallied a second place finish in the one meter competition, followed by Grace Brammer who finished fourth with a 259.20.
Grace Brammer added her first win of the season on the three meter with a 295.50, followed by Abbey Ekstrom with a 288.15 and Kailey Koval finished third with a 286.00.
Winners:
100 Back: Margaret Markvardt (53.37)
100 Fly: Margaret Markvardt (53.13)
Three Meter: Grace Brammer (295.50)