Eastern Michigan University women’s swimming and diving team fell to defending Mid-American Conference champs Ohio University on Saturday, 151-149, in the season opener for the Eagles at the Jones Natatorium.
“I was extremely happy with the swimming results,” coach Peter Linn said. “Although we obviously wanted a victory we have made great strides since last year and had the defending MAC Champs, needing a supreme effort to come away with the win.”
Ohio was led by Emma Michaels, who picked up a win in the 200-meter freestyle and Rachel Stearns, winning in the 100 backstroke.
The Bobcats clinched the victory after the team of Sarah Owen, Katey Brooks and Abby Corcoran placed first in the 400 freestyle relay.
Despite the loss, freshman Sara Ghaffari placed first in three events: 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly.
Junior Kelly Hendricks placed first in both the 1-meter and 3-meter dive. Sophomore Danielle Hulvey took second place in the 3-meter dive with just six points behind
Hendricks’ 281.17 points.
“We won 10 of 16 events and competed well throughout the meet,” Linn said. “We need to develop some more depth for dual meets and we need to keep training with the intensity that we have been exhibiting all fall. The object is to be a little better every time out and to put ourselves in a position to be a factor at the MAC championships in February, and I believe we are off to a good start towards that goal.”
The Eagles will travel to Ohio to face the Bowling Green University Falcons who will be looking to bounce back after two straight losses to Ohio University Bobcats and the Ball State Cardinals Saturday.
