WAUKESHA, Wis. – Carroll University swim and dive opened its home schedule on Saturday at Van Male Natatorium, hosting Illinois Tech in a competitive dual meet. Both Pioneer squads showcased depth and resilience, earning multiple top-three finishes and a relay victory on the women's side.
Men's Recap
The Carroll men started the day with a third-place finish in the 200 Medley Relay, as Thomas Rynne, Gavin Buechel, Jonah Lotegeluaki, and Jacob Rossi combined for a time of 1:46.85. Rossi highlighted the sprint group with a third-place finish in the 50 Free (22.84) and anchored the 200 Free Relay team to third in 1:33.36 alongside Lotegeluaki, Eli Griggs LeRoux, and Buechel. Lotegeluaki added a strong swim in the 100 Free (51.78) for third, while Paden Moore claimed third in the 200 Fly (2:19.63). Distance standout Mannon Stern placed second in the 1000 Free (12:00.96) and fourth in the 500 Free (5:41.11), while freshman Matthew Hansen contributed with a fifth-place finish in the 500. Illinois Tech controlled the team scoring behind standout Zeng Wye Liew, who swept the 400 IM (4:16.42) and 500 Free (4:53.17), but Carroll's relay strength and competitive times were encouraging signs early in the season.
Women's Recap
The Pioneer women capped the meet with a thrilling win in the 200 Free Relay, as Alexandria Ostopowicz, Natalie Oldenburg, Cenia Stefonek, and Morgan Toupal combined for a time of 1:47.26, edging Illinois Tech by nearly four seconds. Carroll showed depth in distance events, with Erin Fixen and Carigan Tabor finishing second and third in the 1000 Free (11:54.69 and 11:59.41). Tabor added a runner-up finish in the 200 Breast (2:51.82), while Kelly Gordon placed second in the 200 Fly (2:26.66) and third in the 400 IM (5:15.10). Oldenburg led the mid-distance group with second in the 200 Free (2:08.84), and Clarissa Sharpe sprinted to third in the 50 Free (27.66). Illinois Tech's Claire van Biljon paced the visitors with wins in the 200 Free (2:04.18) and 100 Free (55.05), but Carroll's relay victory and multiple podium finishes highlighted a strong team effort.
The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, November 15 in Lake Forest for another dual meet.
