Contact: Adam Poklop, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

MONMOUTH, Ill. (OCT. 20, 2018) – Competing at the Monmouth Double Dual, the North Central women's swimming & diving team earned several first-place finishes on their way to a solid season opener.

Senior Samantha Kruzel and sophomore Beth Ryan led the charge for the Cardinals. Kruzel notched first place finishes in the 200-yard freestyle (2:14.23) and the 500-yard freestyle (6:05.95), while Ryan placed first in the 50-yard freestyle (26.46) and the 50-yard butterfly. Meanwhile, Freshman Amelia Woods' time of 1:07.48 in the 100-yard individual was good enough for first, as was Marissa Hoppe's time of 35.16 in the 50-yard breaststroke.

The team of Savannah Catalon, Marissa Hoppe, Beth Ryan, and Abi Pfeiffer placed second in the 200-yard medley relay. Hoppe also added a second-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke (1:15.70).

Swimming in her first collegiate meet, Catalon was pleased with her team's performance early on. 

"Everyone swam well for their first meet of the season and the team is looking forward to the next meet," said Catalon after the meet.

Women's Team Scores
North Central: 75              Monmouth: 114
North Central: 94              Knox: 113

North Central is back in action on Oct. 27 when they travel to Bloomington, Illinois for the Illinois Wesleyan University Halloween Invitational. Competition starts at 1 p.m.