Aquatic Showdown: Swimming and Diving Teams Face Off Against Princeton and Kenyon

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Navy swimming and diving squads divided competitions with Princeton and Kenyon this weekend at DeNunzio Pool in Princeton, N.J. The Navy men’s squad (9-4) secured a 285-66 triumph over Kenyon (1-3) while succumbing, 246-107, to Princeton (7-0). The Mids (8-5) claimed a 178-175 victory over Kenyon (2-2) in the women’s event and lost 249-104 to the Tigers (8-0).

The men’s team entered Saturday ahead of Kenyon with a tally of 167-36 and was behind Princeton, 147-58. Navy’s women’s team commenced the day with a 111-94 advantage over Kenyon while trailing Princeton, 143-62.

“We had two outstanding sessions of competition,” stated Navy men’s swimming head coach Bill Roberts. “This meet has consistently been competitive, and since we adopted a three-team format, the level of competitiveness has only escalated. Our team has been collaborating exceptionally well, and I was quite pleased with their attitude as we approached the meet. I believe their dedication was evident over the past two days. There were numerous highlights along with various lessons learned that we will keep focusing on as we approach the championship season.”

“We experienced two great days of competition,” remarked Navy women’s swimming head coach John Morrison. “Thanks to Princeton for organizing an excellent meet. Competing against Kenyon for the first time was also enjoyable. All three teams performed exceptionally well, making for an exhilarating two days.

“We were very pleased with our overall team performance following our winter training camp.”

The Navy men triumphed in each of Saturday’s eight events versus Kenyon and placed no lower than second against Princeton in six events. Leading the team’s performance was Juan Mora, who achieved first overall in the 200 breast with an NCAA B qualifying time of 1:56.92. 

The Mids initiated the second day of competition by clinching second place in the 200 medley relay (1:27.46). Following this, Everet Andrew finished second in the 100 free (44.01) and Ben Irwin secured the silver medal in the 200 back.

After Mora’s accomplishment, Luca Oliva secured second place in the 500 free (4:25.47). Lachlan Andrew came in fifth in the 100 fly (48.84) and Nate Sukeena concluded the individual events with a third-place finish in the 200 IM (1:49.72). Navy then took second place in the 400 free relay (2:56.28).

The Navy women’s team commenced Saturday by finishing fourth in the 200 medley relay (1:43.77). Tiffany Shields and Samantha Clifford subsequently tied for sixth place in the 100 free (52.07).

The Mids achieved their first victory against Kenyon on the day when Allie Maloney placed fourth in the 200 back (2:01.83). Lauren Walsh followed with a fourth-place finish in the 200 breast (2:14.31), while Marin Rose secured seventh in the 500 free (5:00.42).

Navy gained important points with a first and third-place finish overall in the 100 fly. Catherine Weaverling won the event with a time of 54.49, securing a half-second victory over Princeton’s Veronique Rossouw, while Caroline Irwin placed third with her time of 55.58. Walsh then recorded a second-place finish in the 200 IM with her time of 2:03.21.

“With Kenyon rallying late in the second session,” stated Morrison, “Catherine and Caroline delivered remarkable finishes in the 100 fly and Lauren performed excellently as well in the 200 IM.”

Navy concluded the meet in fourth place in the 400 free relay (3:25.09), providing just enough points to surpass the Owls.

“We had an extraordinary 400 free relay from Samantha, Erin Miller, Allie, and Catherine,” added Morrison.

Both Navy teams will wrap up the dual meet segment of their respective seasons on Jan. 24, as the men host Columbia and the women welcome Richmond to Lejeune Hall.