ADA — The Wilmington College women’s swim team competed in a season-opening Ohio Athletic Conference dual meet at Ohio Northern University Saturday, falling to the Polar Bears by a score of 178-78.

The Fightin’ Quakers had eight performances that earned top-two finishes, half of which involved Macki Leon. The senior tied ONU’s Abby Schauer to win the 50-yard backstroke with a time of 30.07 seconds. Leon also took second in both the 200-yard freestyle (2:03.78) and the 100-yard backstroke (1:03.96). Finally, she teamed up with Anna Endsley, Hannah Davis and Margaret Hover for a runner-up finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:54.86).

“Macki [Leon] had a great opening meet as she swam faster than her times at the same point in the season last year,” WC head coach Trip Breen said. “Her leadership has been very helpful.”

Hover won an individual event, the 1,000-yard freestyle, by touching the wall in 12:13.82. Teammate Emma Thompson finished second in the event (12:38.16). Hover also posted a mark of 5:57.29 in the 500-yard freestyle to place third. Maryn Herring was also an event winner for Wilmington, turning in a time of 29.93 seconds in the 50-yard butterfly.. She also placed third (1:07.95) in the 100-yard butterfly.

“Maryn [Herring] showed a lot of tenacity to come back after an injury last year,” said Breen. “I’m so happy she’s swimming well, and most importantly, pain free.”

Audrey Bibb rounded out Wilmington’s top-two finishes with a time of 1:00.21 in the 100-yard freestyle.

The Quakers have a week off before returning to the pool on Feb. 13 with a home meet against the University of Mount Union.