It was no Friday night fright for the Ashland University swimming teams. The Eagles opened their season on Friday (Oct. 15) at home with a pair of convincing victories over Findlay. The AU men won by a 121-37 count and the Ashland women prevailed, 139-91.
Up and down the lineup, event by event, the Eagles looked strong. Sophomore Jenna Linder (Westerville, Ohio/Westerville South) won the 500 freestyle (5:22.55) and the 1000 freestyle (10:54.35). Linder was also part of the 200 free relay that won in 1:40.88. She was joined in that race by freshman Sarah Reidler (Gahanna, Ohio/Lincoln), junior Mary Cargill (Wadsworth, Ohio) and senior Kristyn Benter (Big Prairie, Ohio/East Central). Cargill and Benter went one-two in the 50 freestyle, Cargill winning in 25.33 and Benter placing second in 25.66.
The AU men had six individuals claim gold. Freshman Alexander Sheil (Sydney, Australia/Trinity) won the 200 IM (1:56.58) and the 100 backstroke (53.80).
The Eagles return to the pool on Saturday (Oct. 16) when Hillsdale and Wayne State come to town.
AU
SWIM/ALK