Marshall Swim and Dive triumphed over West Virginia University on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7, in Morgantown.
“It was a true team effort this weekend, and every individual played a part in it. A lot of standout performances this weekend,” coach Ian Walsh said. “I’m pleased with how our freshman navigated this tough, emotional two-day meet. The upperclassmen have been wonderful examples for that group and setting the tone of the season through training and competing.”
After the two days of competitive racing and diving, Marshall left with 1,340.5 points over WVU’s 1,300.5. The Herd won four out of the eight total final events and finished with placements in the top-three 14 times.
“We have only beaten WVU twice in the history of our program,” Walsh said. “It makes it extra special when we can do it at their venue. Our parents and fans were incredible today with the support they showed up in the stands.”
Marshall dominated both sprinting and distance events. In the 200 Yard Backstroke, Gabrielle Ivey won with a time of 2:05.97. In the 500 Yard Freestyle, Eszter Laban finished on top with a quick time of 5:07.32.
Madeline Hart won the sixth event, the 100 Yard Butterfly with a time of 57.17. Following Hart, Klava Katayama landed in third with a time of 58.19, Ivey received fourth at 58.38 and finishing out the top five was Laban in fifth with 58.68.
The Herd’s 200-Yard Freestyle relay team took home a first-place finish. The relay team consisted of Katayama, Parker Lynch, Hart and Audrey West, finishing with a time of 1:36.53. Marshall also placed third in the event by Ivey, Mia McBride, Nina Nugent and Molly Warner (1:37.81).
Next up for the Herd is a dual meet against James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on Nov. 4.
