CHICAGO, ILL - Nebraska Wesleyan wrapped up its final competition of 2025 with one of the deepest, most productive showings in program history at the Phoenix Fall Classic, hosted by the University of Chicago. Across three days loaded with NCAA-caliber fields, the Prairie Wolves stacked school records, season bests, national-ranking swims, and consistent finals scoring.
The women led the charge, finishing 8th of 10 teams with 531.5 points behind relentless depth and a staggering relay performance that produced four school records and multiple swims currently ranked inside the top 25 nationally.
The men battled through a loaded field to place 9th with 406 points, highlighted by breakthroughs in the breaststroke group and a major program moment from junior Mattia Rosatelli.
By Sunday night, NWU walked out of Chicago with momentum, confidence, and a long list of times positioned well for championship buildups.
How It Happened
Day One
NWU wasted no time rewriting the board on opening night. The women's 200 freestyle relay of Elena Lazzaretto, Beatrice Massa Micon, Hannah Gibbs, and Lydi O'Neil set a school record (1:35.75), finishing 6th and climbing to 16th nationally. The women's 400 medley relay of Haylee Nebola, Lazzaretto, Sydney Leslie, and O'Neil delivered another school record (3:57.68) and a strong 14th-place finish, ranking 33rd nationally. Lydi O'Neil broke the school record in the 50 free (23.62), currently 22nd in the nation. The men established early scoring momentum in the IM and sprint groups. NWU left Friday night looking like a team ready for a statement meet.
Day Two
Saturday was where NWU's depth took over across all event groups. Mattia Rosatelli broke the school record in the 100 breaststroke (55.77), a time that ranks 23rd nationally. Ryleigh Schroeter broke the 200 free school record (1:56.87). Beatrice Massa Micon set a new program best in the 100 backstroke (58.42). The women's 200 medley relay of Lazzaretto, Massa Micon, Gibbs, and O'Neil delivered another school record (1:47.11), ranking 31st nationally. NWU piled up B-final finishes on both sides, turning depth into reliable scoring.
Day Three
NWU closed the meet with its strongest morning-to-night execution. Beatrice Massa Micon broke the school record in the 100 free, highlighting the final night. The women's 400 freestyle relay of Lazzaretto, Massa Micon, Schroeter, and O'Neil delivered a school record 3:30.95, ranking 12th nationally and finishing 8th overall. The men closed strong with productive swims in the 100 free, 200 fly, and 200 breast to secure 406 points. NWU exits Chicago with postseason-quality momentum and several swims in realistic NCAA qualifying territory.
UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan is off for the remainder of 2025 and returns to competition in January as the Prairie Wolves begin with a home triangular against the College of St. Mary and Iowa Western Community College on January 10.
