Discovering the Heart of Bucknell University: A Journey Through Tradition and Innovation

RESULTS

LEWISBURG, Pa. – Clara Renner triumphed in three additional events, Kyla Kelly secured two victories, and Natalie Penman spearheaded a commanding performance for the Bucknell divers as the Bison women’s swimming and diving squad triumphed over Loyola with a score of 177-123 on Friday at Kinney Natatorium. Bucknell prevailed in 11 out of the 16 events and improved their season record to 5-2.

Renner clinched the 1,000-yard freestyle and dominated both butterfly events to uphold her perfect record in dual-meet contests and elevate her seasonal win count to 16. The freshman competed in the 100 fly for the second time this season and ascended to the No. 6 position in Bucknell history with a time of 55.49.

Kelly’s victories came in the 100 free and 200 individual medley, marking her 10th victory this season. Her triumph in the 200 IM was particularly noteworthy, as she narrowly defeated Loyola standout Lily Mead by .27 seconds. Mead had earlier clinched wins in the 200 backstroke and 200 breaststroke, contributing to two of the Greyhounds’ five victories.

Mead also initiated Loyola’s victorious 200 medley relay. The Greyhounds achieved a 1-2 finish in the relay to commence the meet, but the Bison rapidly compensated for the deficit with consecutive 1-2 results from Renner and Kelly Byrne in the 500 free, followed by Rylie Giles and Virginia Hastings in the 200 free.

Five of Bucknell’s victories were accomplished by first-year swimmers. Alongside Renner’s hat trick, Sydney Jee (100 breast) and Sofia Burns (200 back) both secured narrow victories.

Byrne, Giles, and Hastings claimed the top three positions in the 500 free, reinforcing Bucknell’s advantage with just three races remaining, after which the divers made their dominance clear.

Penman, Gina Hinthorn, and Reggie Frias swept the top three spots on the 1-meter board, while Penman, Frias, and Meghan Catherwood achieved a 1-2-3 finish in the 3-meter event. Penman’s 3-meter score of 275.30 was a personal best, improving by 16.75 points, and it propelled her from eighth to fourth on Bucknell’s all-time list. Katie Hetherington established the school record in 2013, and current Bison Frias, Catherwood, and Penman now hold the next three positions.

The Bison avenged a dual-meet defeat at Loyola from last season, and they will now prepare for their Senior Day competition against Lehigh next Saturday at Kinney Natatorium.