ADA — The Wilmington College women’s swim team was defeated by Ohio Northern 215-67 Friday night in WC’s second dual meet of the season.
The meet consisted of an unconventional line-up, with various 50-yard events and the 100 individual medley, in addition to the usual collegiate line-up. Ohio Northern also competed on the 1-meter and 3-meter boards. Wilmington had several in-season bests and a new team record.
“Our team plan is to be the best possible team,” WC coach Trip Breen said. “Everyone needs to be involved, whether they’re cheering or swimming. I think we’ve done a good job of that thus far.”
Freshman Hannah Houston, a Wilmington High School graduate, brought home the top finish for the Fightin’ Quakers in the 50 yard backstroke. Her time of 28.92 earned her first place in the field. Houston also finished second in the 100 backstroke (1:04.24).
“Hannah Houston had some impressive swims,” Breen added. “She took a few years away from the sport so getting ready to compete is a different process for her than it is for a lot of the other swimmers. She won the 50 Back, had a great 100 Back and was an integral part of two relays. When she entered the water in the Free Relay we were in fourth place and she pulled ahead of two of the teams.”
Houston teamed with freshman Alyssa Roger, senior Elyse Spraul, and junior Samantha Glish for the 200 yard freestyle relay. Together, they earned second place with a time of 1:47.62.
Glish also brought home some high, individual finishes. She was second in both the 50 yard free (25.93) and the 100 yard free (1:00.37). In addition, Glish broke the Wilmington College record in the women’s 100 IM with a time of 1:08.09.
“I was excited for Sam Glish; she broke the team’s 100 IM record,” said Breen. “It’s a relatively new event in college swimming, but seeing a record fall is always exciting and great motivation for the team.”
Spraul also finished second in the 50 yard butterfly (29.21). She also competed in the 100 yard butterfly where she went an in-season best of 1:06.45, nearly two seconds better than her previous season best time. This time earned her fourth place.
Senior Haley Rowland finished second in the 1000 yard freestyle, 12:45.95, 14 seconds faster than last weekend.
The Fightin’ Quakers travel to Wittenberg University 1 p.m. Saturday for a tri-meet against Wittenberg and Transylvania University.
