O'FALLON, IL—The Women's Swimming team traveled an hour away from home in order to compete in the McKendree Invite. There were three schools that attended the invite, which were McKendree, UMSL, and Principia. Both of the schools that Principia raced were D2 schools, so it was tough competition for the team. While Principia lost to both teams, they swam well, earning a few bests.
The meet began with the 200 Medley Relay where sophomore
Glynnis Harley (35.80), freshman
Lydia Pierce (37.61), sophomore
Katie Lovegren (34.19), and freshman
Elizabeth Hull (41.73) swam the race with a time of 2:29.33.
As the meet continued, Pierce (2:20.96), Lovegren (2:28.12), and Harley (2:31.68) swam the 200 Free with some thrilling swims. With the first individual races starting PC off strong, they moved to the next event—100 Backstroke. This race went well. Hull swam the race with a time of 1:53.56, which was a season best for her. Soon after the 100 Back, Harley (1:32.63) stepped up for the 100 Breaststroke. This isn't Harley's usual race, but with all the IM work she has been putting in she swam the event well. As the team waited for the 200 Fly to end they prepared for the 50 Freestyle. Pierce (28.15), Lovegren (30.92), and Hull (40.97) swam the race, which were strong swims, but not their bests.
After a 15 minute long break, Principia was gearing to go with the 100 Freestyle. Both Pierce and Lovegren swam the race with times of a 1:04.54 and 1:09.23. As a few events passed with none of the women swimming in them, they cheered on the men until the women had an event. Harley was the first to have an event, she swam the 100 Fly coming into the wall with a time of 1:29.19.
As another short break and an event concluded, the 200 Freestyle Relay wrapped up the swims for the day. Harley (30.56), Lovegren (30.36), Pierce (28.60), and Hull (41.02) swam a strong race! During this race Lovegren achieved a season and unshaved lifetime best in her 50 Free Relay split.
It was a meet with tough competition, but the team responded with some great performances.
Up Next:
The Women's Swimming team will be at home on January 26
th for a dual meet against Hendrix and Williams Baptist College at 6pm. On the following day, January 27
th, Principia will be holding the Panther Invite at 1pm as well.
