Warriors Send Seniors Off in Style with Win over CSM

FREMONT, Neb. – In a closely contested dual, Midland University came from behind to win a head-to-head dual against the College of Saint Mary on Saturday afternoon. The Warriors, who were down 24 points with three events left, overtook the Flames to win 127 to 119 at the Dillon Family Aquatic Center. Midland secured wins in six individual events and one relay in the meet that was rescheduled from January 13 due to a snowstorm and frigid temperatures.

Joelle Zipp had a strong day in the pool, claiming victory in the 1000-yard freestyle with a time of 12:16.09. Zipp showcased versatility by securing third place in the 100-yard backstroke (1:05.20) and second place in the 500-yard freestyle (6:14.94).

Blake Patton had a successful day as well, finishing as the runner-up in the 1000-yard freestyle (14:06.62) and taking third place in the 500-yard freestyle (6:54.71). Abby Ertz showcased her skills by securing third place in the 50-yard backstroke (31.49) and as well as the 50-yard butterfly (30.08).

Quinty Rouschop has a pair of strong swims, earning second place in the 50-yard breaststroke (34.25) and the 100-yard race (1:15.45). Grace Chipman took third place in the 50-yard breaststroke with a time of 41.10.

Lily Harrell was the first to touch the wall in the 100-yard butterfly with a top time of 1:03.05 and claimed victory in the 50-yard butterfly with a time of 28.39. Sophia Gurrieri had a pair of second-place finishes on the afternoon, securing runner-up in the 100-yard butterfly (1:05.15) and the 50-yard butterfly (28.65).

Lilli Heaston broke the school record in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 24.71. The record was previously held by herself and former teammate Nerissa Wagner. Mya Nemechek won the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 59.80 and also posted the top time in the 200-yard individual medley at 2:19.72.

The Warriors concluded the meet on a high note, winning the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1:44.22 with a relay team, comprised of Payton Tull, Mya Nemechek, Lily Harrell, and Abby Ertz.

"We were very impressed with the women's competitiveness and never-say-die attitude they had throughout the meet," commented head coach Matt Gilbert. "It can be very hard to see your team down by 24 with only three events remaining, but the girls swam three perfect races, placed exactly where they needed to, and pulled out a huge win for our senior class who has gone through so much during their four years here. It was a perfect sendoff to this group. I also have to give praise to our men's team who did not actually race anyone but were cheering just as hard for their teammates and helped push them to victory. This was a great team victory to give us momentum heading into conference in less than two weeks."

Looking ahead, Midland University will use the next couple of weeks of practice to make final preparations for the upcoming Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Championships. The conference meet is scheduled for February 8-10 in Elkhart, Indiana, and will be hosted by Bethel University.