Wheeling, W. Va. – While returning from their yearly winter training excursion in Florida, the Wheeling University Women’s Swimming squad (8-3) stopped briefly in Hickory, North Carolina. The team faced off against Lenoir-Rhyne to commence the 2025 segment of the schedule, unfortunately succumbing to the Bears with a score of 104-82 to conclude their trip. The Cardinals achieved three individual victories on the day as they return home prepared for the concluding stretch toward the Mountain East Conference (MEC)/Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) Championships.
Leading the charge for the Cardinals was junior Gabby Baiano, who accounted for two of her team’s three individual victories on this day. Baiano kicked things off promptly in the inaugural individual event, competing in the 500-Yard Freestyle. It was a significant victory for the junior, who surpassed the competition by eight seconds, recording a time of 5:29.43. She consistently maintained splits between 30 and 35 seconds throughout the race, starting her performance robustly. She shifted into a higher gear for her second victory of the day, tackling the Women’s 200-Yard Freestyle. Even in the shorter distance, Baiano showcased her talents, narrowly defeating Lenoir-Rhyne’s Devin Poteat for the top finish with a time of 2:03.34.
The other individual victory for the Cardinals was secured by Lydie Sprecher, who competed in the 50-Yard Freestyle. The Cardinals achieved a 1-2 finish, with Sprecher claiming the top position with a time of 26.16, followed closely by teammate Ana Noguera in second place with a time of 27.19. Sprecher has been an outstanding swimmer for the Cardinals throughout the season, leading in short distance events. Following Baiano’s performance in the 500, it was time for a short distance race where Jade Miller competed in the 100-Yard Backstroke. She secured second place in the field, finishing with a time of 1:03.81 to commence her strong performance. Prior to her win in the 50-Yard Freestyle, Sprecher added another medal to her tally, securing second place with a time of 1:05.65.
Sofia Gonzales Bernal was next, participating in the 100-Yard Breaststroke, finishing second with a time of 1:15.65, and Lacie Langmyer followed with a second place finish in the 100-Yard Freestyle, clocking in at 58.59. Jade Miller then competed in the final individual event, racing in the 200-Yard Individual Medley. She concluded the individual events on a high note, taking second place with a time of 2:26.15. The day’s final two events featured relays, starting with the 200-Yard Medley Relay. The team consisting of Miller, Gonzales Bernal, Sprecher, and Sofia Castillo finished in second place with a time of 1:56.33. The last relay event of the day was the 200-Yard Freestyle Relay. Baiano, Langmyer, Grace Moorley, and Maria Jones participated and secured second place with a time of 1:52.29.
The Wheeling University Women’s Swimming team will be back in action on Saturday, January 18th, hosting Fairmont State at 1 PM.
