Discovering Excellence: The Bucknell University Journey

RESULTS

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Kyla Kelly and Clara Renner secured two individual victories each, while seven distinct Bison triumphed in various events as the Bucknell women’s swimming & diving squad overcame La Salle 175-125 on Friday, marking the initial competition of 2025. The Bison’s record improved to 4-1 for the season, and they will face a quick turnaround before welcoming Army West Point on Saturday afternoon.

Initially behind, the Bison found themselves at a disadvantage after the Explorers (5-5) clinched the top two positions in the opening 200-yard medley relay. However, Bucknell quickly took command with impressive showings in the first two individual competitions. Renner and Virginia Hastings finished 1-2 in the 1,000 freestyle, subsequently Rylie Giles, Kelly Byrne, and Ashley Piacentino swept the top three finishes in the 200 free.

La Salle followed up with victories in the 100 backstroke and 100 breaststroke, but Bucknell dominated by winning eight of the last 11 events to extend their lead.

The Bison triumphed in both butterfly events, with Skye Sunderhauf and Sydney Dettmann taking 1-2 in the 200, while Renner earned her second victory of the day in the 100. During the sprints, Sara Ketron and Kelly achieved a 1-2 finish in the 50, with just five-hundredths of a second between their times. Kelly then returned to secure a win in the 100, narrowly ahead of her teammate Giles, as well as in the 200 individual medley, finishing alongside Byrne in another 1-2 result. Byrne later clinched the 500 free in a top-two sweep with Dettmann.

Talia Bugel emerged victorious in the 200 backstroke, while Sofia Burns attained her second second-place finish of the day.

Bucknell concluded the meet with a decisive three-second triumph in the 400 free relay, featuring the winning team of Ketron, Hastings, Renner, and Giles.

Bucknell and Army will compete at 1 p.m. Saturday at Kinney Natatorium, with live coverage provided on YouTube.