LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Wesleyan men's and women's swimming and diving teams kicked off their home slate with authority, sweeping a Friday night dual against Minnesota-Morris inside the Weary Natatorium. The women (2-0) won all but two races on their way to a dominant 145-57 victory, while the men (2-0) took care of business with a convincing 135-67 win.
The Prairie Wolves' depth shined across the board, with a mix of upperclass leadership and new faces fueling the early-season surge. Junior Lydi O'Neil headlined the women's effort, sprinting her way to wins in both the 50-yard freestyle (24.73) and 100 free (55.18). On the men's side, sophomore Zachary Cantorna delivered a standout performance, claiming victories in the 200 free (1:47.76) and 500 free (4:55.89) to pace NWU's charge.
How It Happened
The night began with fireworks as NWU's relays immediately asserted control. The Prairie Wolves' "B" squad of
Haylee Nebola,
Elena Lazzaretto,
Hannah Gibbs, and
Ryleigh Schroeter took the top spot in the women's 400 medley relay (4:09.35), while the men's "B" team of
Cullen Greyling,
Jake Danner,
Landen Otaka, and
Brodie Hoesing won in 3:50.28.
NWU showed endurance in the early going. Sophomore
Jaryd Holton cruised to victory in the men's 1000 free (10:37.05), while sophomore
Lili Spady earned a runner-up finish on the women's side.
Schroeter followed her relay win with another strong showing in the 200 free (2:02.71) before later adding a victory in the 100 fly (1:02.20). In the men's side, Cantorna and sophomore
Carter Heaton went 1-2 in the 200 free, setting the tone for the men's team's middle-distance dominance.
O'Neil, Massa Micon, and Meyer swept the top three spots in the women's 50 free, giving NWU a clean sweep in one of the most competitive events of the night. Cantorna closed his day with a commanding win in the 500 free, while sophomore
Wesley Hill and
Beatrice Massa Micon added wins in the 100 breast (1:11.83) and 100 back (1:01.99), respectively.
Notes
Up Next
Nebraska Wesleyan hits the road for its next test at the UNK Invite in Kearney, Nebraska, Nov. 7–8.
