IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s swimming and diving team won 10 events on Friday night in its season-opener against Northern Iowa at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.
The Panthers utilized their depth to post a 159-133 victory.
“It was an excellent opportunity (to get back in the pool to race),” said Iowa head coach Nathan Mundt. “With everything that happened over the last year, these women fought hard tonight and represented their team very well.”
Iowa began the meet with three straight event wins. The Hawkeyes’ 200-medley relay, featuring the quartet of juniors Zoe Pawloski, Kennedy Gilbertson, Aleksandra Olesiak, and sophomore Maddie Black posted a winning time of 1:45.76.
Junior Anna Brooker followed with a 10:37.78 to touch first in the 1,000 freestyle, and Gilbertson posted a time of 1:53.92 to win the 200 freestyle. Brooker also went on to win the 500 free in 5:14.38, while Gilbertson added a victory in the 100 free in 52.72.
Along with her win as part of the 200-medley relay, Olesiak won three individual events. She touched first in the 100 and 200 breast with times of 1:05.66 and 2:24.01, respectively. She also won the 200 IM with a 2:10.02 time.
The Hawkeyes dominated in the diving well, going 1-2-3 off both the 1-meter and 3-meter springboards. Senior Sam Tamborski won both events, posting scores of 283.45 on the 1-meter and 316.70 on the 3-meter. Sophomore Sarah Ballard (273.10/270.55) and freshman Makayla Hughbanks (245.45/255.35) went second and third off both boards, respectively.
Iowa also had two swimmers finish in the top three in the 200 backstroke. Georgia Clark was the runner-up in 2:10.78, while Pawloski was third in 2:12.88.
The Hawkeyes return to action Friday, hosting Minnesota in a Big Ten dual at 4 p.m. (CT) at the CRWC. The program will recognize its three seniors prior to the meet.
