Women’s Swim & Dive Team Makes Waves in Thrilling Comeback at La Salle!

Philadelphia, Pa. — The UMBC Women’s Swimming & Diving squad journeyed to La Salle and achieved great success on Friday in their first competition since early December. 

“Fantastic effort by the Lady Dawgs today,” stated head coach Matt Donovan. “We faced a formidable, well-trained team and battled through every moment. I am truly impressed with this group and how we continuously elevate our performance each week.”

Kolby Reese had a remarkable outing, clinching the 500 free in 5:16.05 and securing second in the 1000 free, just out-touched by a La Salle competitor by .04 (10:50.82). Bruna de Padua won the 1000 free with a time of 10:39.41, while Ashley Gutshall triumphed in the 50 free, clocking in at 24.48. Makaela Hill emerged victorious in the 100 free, finishing in 52.95, with Gutshall following closely in second at 54.24.

The relay team for the 400 free, consisting of de Padua, Gutshall, Hill, and Claire Oettinger, secured gold with a time of 3:33.71.

On the diving front, Alicia Buteau finished in second place in the 1 meter event with a score of 241.80, while Ember Stennett also placed second in the 3 meter, achieving a score of 248.10.

The Retrievers are set to compete against George Washington over the course of two days next weekend. They will first host the Revolutionaries for Senior Day on Saturday at 1 p.m., before traveling to D.C. on Sunday for a 10 a.m. start.