PENSACOLA, Fla - The UWF Women's Swimming and Diving team opened their 2023-24 season at home with a win over Thomas University (159-52) and Loyola Lafayette (160-72) last night in the UWF Aquatic Center.
Nina Imboden, Lutnya Bogdanova, Emily O'Connell, and Aimee Patterson opened the meet by winning the 200 Yard Medley Relay in the evening. A strong start continued as the ladies kept the momentum going for the rest of the night.
Freshman newcomer Riley MacVane started her Argo season with a win in the 200 Yard Freestyle with a time of 1:54.34. Sofia Kendzior finished behind her at a time of 1:57.81. Freshman Aubrey Klausner opened her Argo season finishing third with a time of 1.59.08.
In the 100 Yard Backstroke, the Argos took first through fourth. Nina Imboden finished just over a minute with a time of 1:00.81. New Mexico State transfer Gillian Gotaas took second place with her time of 1:01.37. Amanda Serger finished in 1:01.77, and Keely Stevenson was right behind her with a time of 1:01.85.
In the 100 Yard Breaststroke, the Argos placed first through sixth on the night. Sophomore Lutnya Bogdanova placed first with a time of 1:08.44. Making her Argo debut, freshman Olivia Copland was right behind her with her time of 1:08.83. Freshman Sam Packard, also made her debut, finishing third with a time of 1:09.06. Mikayla Puckett finished in 1:10.19, Ellie Rothfuss in 1:10.66, and freshman Sara Lypko rounded it out finishing in 1:12.31.
Senior Emily O'Connell took first in the 200 Yard Butterfly on the night with her time of 2:10.65. Junior Sydney Hartis placed second with a time of 2:11.72, and Laci Herron placed fourth with a time of 2:19.98.
As a beautiful sunset set in the back of the Aquatic Center, the Argos continued to flourish in the pool.
In the 50 Yard Freestyle, the Argos continued to dominate. UWF placed first through fifth. Senior Brooke Dorr earned first with her speedy time of 24.27. Freshman Sydney Lewis earned her time in the pool finishing second with her time of 24.51. Aimee Patterson swam in 24.59, Riley MacVane placed fourth finishing in 24.65, and Sofia Kendzior swam in 25.38, placing fifth.
Brooke Dorrearned two wins in the evening, placing first in the 100 Yard Freestyle, swimming in 52.44. The senior veteran started her season strong in her races.
Shannah Dillman placed first in the 200 Yard Backstroke, finishing with a time of 2:11.35.
Olivia Copland made her splash for her time. The freshman finished first in the 200 Yard Breaststroke, swimming an impressive 2:26.69.
This new freshman class came ready to make a difference for their team. Freshman Riley MacVane came away with her second win of the evening, placing first in the 500 Yard Freestyle, swimming in 5:06.84.
Emily O'Connell placed first in the 100 Yard Butterfly, swimming an impressive time of 57.49.
Shannah Dillman placed first in the 200 Yard IM, swimming 2:10.43.
In a mixture of vets and rookies, the Argos took first in the final event. In the 200 yard freestyle consisted of Sydney Lewis , Sam Packard, Sydney Lewis and Aimee Patterson, finishing with a time of 1:38.44.
In the diving well, the Argos competed against one another for a very successful time on the boards. Olivia Nelson scored an NCAA Qualifying piece on the 1-meter board. Nelson scored a 261 flat, which outscored the 255 NCAA Qualifying number.
UWF will open their 2023-24 season in Moultrie, GA for the Moultrie Diving Invite on October 6-8.
For more information, visit goargos.com, or on instagram at @uwfswimdive
