Harrison Lilley

Photo Editor

hjl5363@psu.edu

GROVE CITY – The Penn State Behrend women’s swimming and diving team made a resounding splash as they commenced the 2023-24 season at the First Splash meet held in Grove City on Saturday, October 14. Despite a competitive challenge from their opponents, the Behrend Lions showcased their prowess in the pool and the diving competition, leaving their mark on the day.

In an intense showdown at the James E. Longnecker Competition Pool in Grove City, PA, Grove City secured a narrow victory with a score of 1242.5, while Penn State Behrend tallied a total of 1157.5 points.

Several key moments defined the day, with standout performances from various members of the team. Jadyn Danylko, a native of Erie, PA, and a graduate of McDowell High School, emerged as a double winner, displaying her exceptional skills. Danylko claimed victory in the 200 fly with a time of 2:29.55 and triumphed in the 100 fly with an impressive time of 1:02.34.

Melody Li, hailing from South Brunswick, NJ, representing South Brunswick, took first place in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:50.74. Meanwhile, Camryn Watters, a talented swimmer from Greensburg, PA, and a product of Hempfield High School, secured victory in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:05.43. Watters further demonstrated her strength in the 200 back, finishing first with a time of 2:18.06. She also claimed second place in the 100 free and third place in the 200 IM, showcasing her versatility in the pool.

As a team, Penn State Behrend secured seven second-place finishes, illustrating their overall depth and competitiveness. In the 200 medley relay, the quartet of Watters, Danylko, Becca Krenzer, and Heidi Schwartz clocked a remarkable time of 1:56.32, earning second place.

Isabel Sheridan, from Allentown, PA, a graduate of Parkland High School, secured second place in the 400 IM with a time of 5:10.20. Sheridan also claimed third place in the 500 free with a time of 5:53.65 and the 100 back with a time of 1:07.19.

In the diving competition, Lauren Stephens, representing Fairview, PA, and Fairview High School, put on a strong performance. She claimed second place on the one-meter board with a score of 195.17 and secured third place on the three-meter board with a score of 153.83. Julia Sank, from North East, PA, and North East High School, recorded the best score for Behrend on the three-meter board, collecting a total of 158.25 for second place.

In the final relay of the day, the team of Marin O’Lone, Emily Russell, Samantha Sebulak, and Mackenzie Van Iddekinge swam the 200 free relay in an impressive 1:45.91, securing second place overall.

The Penn State Behrend women’s swimming and diving team’s strong showing at the First Splash meet sets a promising tone for the season ahead, with the athletes’ dedication and talent on full display as they look forward to further challenges and achievements.