The Marshall swimming and diving team started its season with a loss to James Madison University Thursday, 159-141, at the Frederick A. Fitch Natatorium.

Marshall was led individually by freshman Caroline Wanner who had three wins. Wanner won the 200-yard butterfly (2:03:70), the 200 backstroke (2:02:95) and the 200 IM (2:05:66).

Freshman Anna Lynch was also victorious, winning in the 1,000 freestyle (10:24:72).

Wanner marked her name in Marshall’s record books with her 200 butterfly, making it a life-time best for her and fourth-best in Marshall history.

Sophomore Madi Pulfer followed behind Wanner winning two events. Pulfer won the 200 freestyle (1:52:60) and the 500 freestyle (5:03:44).

Junior Chloe Parsemain also won two events for Marshall in the 100 backstroke (57:81) and the 100 butterfly (56:76).

Junior Megan Wolons led the Herd in diving. Wolons placed third in both the 1-meter (237.80) and 3-meter (228.98 dives.

Head Coach Bill Tramel said he was extremely thankful for all the hard work and support from the staff and other athletes to make the event happen two days sooner.

The Herd’s meet against the Dukes was originally scheduled for Saturday. However, both schools decided to move its meet two days earlier due to inclement weather this weekend.

“I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this meet happen two days early,” Tramel said. “We had to scramble and many folks stepped up. It was a great meet by both teams. Marshall and JMU had many season best times for a dual meet. That competition certainly helped.”

The Herd will be back in action Jan. 30 to face Vanderbilt University and the University of North Florida in Nashville, Tennessee.

Brittanie Fowler can be contacted at [email protected].