The Eagles kicked off 2016 looking strong in the waters of Messerly Natatorium.
The Ashland University men's and women's swim teams both out-swam Malone and Urbana on Saturday (Jan. 9). The Eagle men won 152-110 over Malone and 221-31 against Urbana. The Eagle women won 148-98 over the Pioneers and 146-77 versus the Blue Knights.
Eagle freshman Erin Staley edged Malone's Carolin Friedrich in the women's 1,650-yard freestyle by just a fraction of a second. Staley touched in 18:39.56, just two-hundredths of a second faster than Friedrich (18:39.58).
Staley Wins 1,650 freestyle
Sophomore Ryan Deemer notched first-place in the men's 1,650 free (17:03.19), just touching before Eagle teammate Christopher Georgiadis (17:11.63). Deemer also won the 500 free.
Senior Kaylyn Murphy collected multiple victories in the 200 free (1:56.59), 50 free (24.60) and 100 back (59.43).
Fellow senior Hannah Mattar won the 500 free by seven seconds over Malone's Friedrich, Mattar touched in 5:28.70. Mattar also tallied a win in the 200 individual medley (2:15.09).
Senior Sergio Sanchis Peris touched first in the men's 100 back, getting the victory in 55.32 seconds. Sanchis Peris took first in the shorter 50 back, touching in 24.33 seconds.
Eagle sophomore Grace Reichard beat out Malone's Olivia Bently to claim victory in the 100 breaststroke. Reichard touched in 1:07.34. She also won the 50 breaststroke in 30.98 seconds.
Also winning events for the Eagles were junior Megan Schultz (50 back), sophomore Zoe Scarpone (100 free) and freshman Keegan Goeke (50 butterfly).
The Eagles will be back in the water on Saturday (Jan. 16) at Hillsdale. The Saginaw Valley State Cardinals also will be at the meet. The first event is slated for 1 p.m.
Sights & Sounds
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SWIM/LR