Saint Francis Women’s Swimming Hosts Lock Haven On Senior Day

Sara Turner swam to first within the 500 freestyle, whereas Laryssa Webster took second in the identical occasion and in addition positioned within the 200 backstroke. Kathryn Tanis received the 100 freestyle, and Katie Webster positioned second within the 100 backstroke and anchored the profitable 200 freestyle relay. Reegan Brown contributed a second-place end within the 200 butterfly and helped the 200 freestyle relay crew to victory, whereas Maura Rubio received the 100 backstroke and was a part of the first-place 200 medley relay. 

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The Red Flash made the journey to Brooklyn, N.Y., on Oct. 25 for a tri-meet in opposition to Long Island University and Manhattan College, incomes a number of standout performances within the pool. Maura Rubio led the best way with wins within the 100 backstroke (58.06) and 200 backstroke (2:08.66), whereas Sara Turner swept each the 200 butterfly (2:09.55) and 200 IM (2:11.06). Kathryn Tanis additionally earned a victory within the 100 freestyle (54.72), and the 400 freestyle relay crew of Tanis, Rubio, Katie Webster, and Reegan Brown completed second by lower than a second to LIU (3:40.45). 

The meet featured sturdy efforts throughout the board, together with Sydney Lukon’s personal-best 2:32.16 within the 200 backstroke and Abbey Kutchel’s personal-best 11:50.42 within the 1000 freestyle. Following the meet, Sara Turner was named NEC Swimmer of the Week, and Maura Rubio earned NEC Prime Performer honors for his or her distinctive performances. 

NEXT TIME OUT: LIBERTY INVITATIONAL

The Red Flash will return to motion on the Liberty Invitational from Nov. 21–23 in Lynchburg, Va. The three-day meet will function preliminary periods at 10 a.m. and finals every night at 6 p.m., as Saint Francis appears to shut out the autumn portion of its schedule with one other sturdy crew efficiency.

PRESEASON OUTLOOK: BUILDING ON MOMENTUM

The NEC introduced its 2025–26 preseason coaches’ ballot, with Saint Francis projected to complete fourth heading into the brand new marketing campaign. The Red Flash appears to hold ahead the momentum from a powerful 2024 season that featured a third-place end on the NEC Championships and several other particular person podium performances.

Central Connecticut State was chosen because the league favourite, incomes 4 first-place votes because the Blue Devils purpose for his or her fourth straight NEC title. Howard adopted carefully behind with three first-place votes, whereas Wagner and Saint Francis rounded out the highest 4. LIU, Stonehill, and Le Moyne accomplished the ballot.

The 2026 NEC Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships are set for February 17–20 at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, the place the Red Flash will look to make one other sturdy displaying.

FROM THE DECK: COACH’S CORNER

Phil Hurley enters his sixth season main the Saint Francis ladies’s swimming program in 2025–26, bringing greater than 15 years of collegiate teaching expertise to the deck. Since becoming a member of the Red Flash, Hurley has guided the crew to a number of NEC podium finishes, sturdy showings in twin meets and invitationals, and constant recognition for educational excellence.

Before arriving at Saint Francis, Hurley served as the top coach at Lock Haven University and as an assistant coach at South Dakota State University, the place he helped information Summit League champions, coached athletes to NCAA Division I “B” reduce requirements, and led recruiting efforts that doubled this system’s roster measurement. He additionally gained expertise as a graduate assistant at George Mason University and has coached at each the membership and highschool ranges.

A local of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Hurley swam collegiately at Dickinson College, the place he was a four-year letter winner, three-year crew captain, All-Conference performer, and college file holder. He earned his B.A. in economics from Dickinson and a grasp’s in train, health, and well being promotion from George Mason University. Following commencement, he additionally served as an officer within the United States Army.

Under Hurley’s management, the Red Flash proceed to thrive each within the pool and the classroom, upholding this system’s custom of excellence and competitiveness throughout the Northeast Conference