Men’s Swimming took home a win in their home opener while the women’s team fell short against Fairfield on Saturday afternoon at Steadman Natatorium.
“Overall the team performed at a high level today,” said Head Coach Matt Nunnally. “I am encouraged by the positive progress the team is making. It is a direct reflection on the work being done during the week.”
The men won 191-67 and with the win improve to an overall record of 2-0 on the season.
Monmouth was led by strong individual performances from freshman Callan Smith, who contributed with two first place finishes in the 200-yard relay and freshman Dylan Barkhuizen who won two races in the 400-yard as well.
The women’s team lost 172-90, slipping to 1-1 on the season.
Freshman Camryn McHugh stood out, winning three races for the second week in a row as she continues to impress in her freshman year.
Monmouth’s men won first place in the 400-yard medley relay and the 200-yard freestyle relay. Smith, Barkhuizen, junior Austin D’Angelo, and freshman Valance Washington won the 400 medley and Smith, Washington, sophomore Ethan Lucas, and junior Patrick McAllister combined for the win in the 200 free.
The exciting part for the program is how well the freshman have been performing. Smith, Barkuizen, Washington, and McAllister all contributed in meaningful fashion to the win.
McAllister won the 100-yard backstroke, D’Angelo the 100-yard breaststroke, and Washington the 100-yard freestyle. Smith won the 200-yard freestyle and backstroke and Barkuizen won both the 100 and 200-yard fly.
It was not only underclassmen who contributed, though.Sophomores Trevor Askew and Ryan Reutti took home first in the 200-yard breast and 200-yard IM, respectively.
On the women’s side, McHugh continued to dominate. She won three first places in the 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard backstroke, and 100-yard fly. Additionally, she set a new team record in the 100-yard backstroke, touching the wall in 58.65 seconds.
“Conference meets are always very competitive and today was a good test for both the men and the women. The team stepped up to the challenge with many outstanding performances which will help build our confidence moving forward,” Nunnally said.
Next up for Monmouth is Howard and Mount St. Mary’s at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday in Emmitsburg, MD.
PHOTO TAKEN by Karlee Sell
