CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – University of Iowa women’s swimming and diving won its season-opening meet against Northern Iowa, 197-102, at Glen F. Henry Pool on Friday night.
Iowa had a total of 13 individual wins on the night. Sophomore Alix O’Brien kicked off the meet for the Hawkeyes, winning the 1000 free (10:18.81). The Denison University transfer piled on two more victories in the 500 free (5:04.68) and the 200 IM (2:10.06). Freshman Iowa City native Scarlet Martin won three events — 50 free (23.55), 100 free (51.53) and 100 fly (54.60) as well.
Key returning seniors Kennedy Gilbertson and Aleksandra Olesiak both came away with season-opening victories, too. Gilbertson swam a 55.74 in the 100 back, while Olesiak went for gold in the 200 breast (2:22.17).
Iowa was victorious in both relays of the night. Gilbertson, Schreiber, freshman Olivia Asay and junior Maddie Black teamed up to take first place in the first event of the meet, the 200 medley. The meet then was wrapped up with freshman Sabina Kupcova, Gilbertson, sophomore Molly Pedersen and Martin winning the 400 free relay.
Diving picked up its momentum from last year’s success with impressive performances. Freshman Lainey Woodward won the one-meter springboards (277.65). Junior Sarah Ballard scored in third with 259.13. Sophomore Makayla Hughbanks took first place off the three-meter springboards with a career best 284.78. The Bettendorf, Iowa, native also marked a career best, 276.75, in a second-place one-meter performance.
Graduate student and TCU transfer Sheridan Schreiber won the 100 breast in a time of 1:04.16. Another Hawkeye newcomer, Kupcova, won the 200 free (1:53.58).
The Hawkeyes broke four Glen F. Henry Pool records on the evening, including 100 breast (Schreiber), 50 free (Martin), 100 fly (Martin) and the 400 free relay (Kupcova, Gilbertson, Pedersen, Martin).
Iowa returns to action on October 21 for its home opener against Nebraska at the CRWC Natatorium, beginning at 4 p.m. CT.
"It was an excellent start to the season and a lot of fun for our entire team to earn the victory. We had several outstanding performances throughout the meet, and we learned a lot about our team tonight. We're excited to get back to work and get ready for our meet against Nebraska."
Head Coach Nathan Mundt
