RESULTS

CHCAGO, Il. – The Calvin women's swimming and diving team traveled to the University of Chicago on Saturday for a non-conference dual. The matchup featured a pair of nationally-ranked Division III teams with Chicago entering the meet ranked sixth and Calvin 14^th. Chicago prevailed in the final team score, defeating the Knights 176-124.

Calvin won both relays. Its 200 medley relay team of sophomore Emma Merkel (Grandville, Mich./Grandville HS), junior Elise Bajwa (Bethesda, Md./Brookewood School), senior Elyse Radawski (Jenison, Mich./Jenison HS) and senior Meghan Bengelink (Holland, Mich./Holland Christian HS) took first place in a time of 1:46.16.

Merkel, Bengelink, sophomore Ella Andrews (Carmel, Ind./Heritage Christian School), and Bajwa later won the 200 freestyle relay in a time of 1:37.10.

Merkel and Bajwa were both double-winners. Merkel won the 100 backstroke (57.77) and 200 backstroke (2:02.94) with senior Madi McNearney (Riverside, Mo./Park Hill South) placing third (2:12.87). Bajwa led a 1-3-4 finish in the 100 breaststroke, winning the race in 1:04.40 while sophomore Gracie Ganger (Tipp City, Ohio/Tippercanoe) was third (1:06.60) and sophomore Eloise Harrison (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern HS) was fourth (1:08.81). Bajwa led a 1-3 Calvin finish in the 200 breaststroke, winning the race in 2:23.63 while Harrison was third (2:28.80).   

Sophomore Zoe Poe (Bridgeville, Pa./South Fayette Twp.) won the 200 IM (2:10.83) with Ganger fourth (2:16.06). Poe was also second in the 200 freestyle (1:55.35) and 200 butterfly (2:11.53). Sophomore Grace Schutter (Shelby Township, Mich./Dwight D. Eisenhower) was fourth in the 200 butterfly (2:18.36). She also placed fourth in the 100 butterfly (59.57).

Freshman Avery Russell (Battle Creek, Mich./Battle Creek Lakeview) had a strong day in the distance events. She was third in the 500 freestyle (5:19.61) and second in the 1,000 freestyle (10:56.14). Senior Kailee Turner (Monroe, Mich./Monroe HS) was fourth in the 1,000 freestyle (11:38.21).

Bengelink had a strong day in the freestyle sprint events. She was third in the 100 freestyle (54.99) and second in the 50 freestyle (24.63). Radawski added a fourth place finish in the 50 free (24.74).

In the three-meter diving competition, senior Veronica Skipper (Chicago, Il./Northside College Prep) was fourth (220.20).

COACHES COMMENT: "I thought we had a great day," said Calvin head swim coach Dan Gelderloos. "To win both relays was a big accomplishment against great competition. We have a bunch of happy warriors! The energy was there from top to bottom of the lineup."
 
NEXT UP: Calvin will host the MIAA Invite #2 next Saturday at 11:30 a.m.