SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana Swimming and Diving teams opened the 2022 season with a tri-invite between Sioux Falls and St. Cloud State. The women competed against both programs while the men faced the Huskies of St. Cloud State. Augustana newcomers saw highlights in Saturday's meet as well as Viking veterans to establish an impressive stance in their first meet of the 2022-23 season. 

The Viking women topped Sioux Falls with a score of 192 to 102. Against St. Cloud State, a team picked second in the preseason NSIC poll, the Vikings won 190-110. On the men's team score, Augustana fell 204-92 to SCSU. 

"We had an amazing first meet of the year," said head coach Lindsie Micko. "Really proud of our efforts in all of our events.

"Looking forward to seeing us progress throughout the year".  

Augustana freshman Ella Ward-Zeller showed off her skills in her collegiate debut by opening the women's 100 yard backstroke swimming in a time of 57.82 to take the first place spot. 

The first event of the day was the 200-yard medley and the event was successful for both the team and Bryn Greenwaldt. The team was just .05 short of the school record as it won the event in 1:44.56. Greenwaldt however set the school record in the 50-backstroke as part of the event as she hit the wall in 26.18. Other members of the team included Nesrine Jelliti, Angelina Chan and Kamryn Robarge. 

Greenwaldt then won the 50-free in a time of 23.26. Her time is an NCAA 'B' cut for the national meet. 

Maija Kangas made her Augustana debut by winning the 500 free as a true freshman swimming in a time of 5:13.16. 

The 400 free relay was in the Vikings' control. Teammates Greenwaldt, Robarge, Amay Street and Meesha Montgomery took hold of the event and swam home with the first place finish in 3:35.03.. 

On the men's side, Pedro Borin thrived off the excitement of the 100 fly race, coming within inches of first, placing second in 49.94 just .09 short of first place. 

Augustana broke open the record books for diving at the meet, seeing a second place finish in the 1 meter dive by AU's NSIC Diver to Watch, Clare Duplissis, who received a score of 217.90. In the 3-meter dive, Kate Robbins etched her name in the record books with a dive scoring 205.8. For the men, the first men's diver in AU program history, Caden Kavanaugh placed third in the 1 meter scoring 176.80 in his first meet with the Vikings. 

Up Next 
Augustana is back in action Oct. 8 against St. Thomas at the Midco Aquatic Center at 2 p.m. 

--GoAugie.com--