The swim team hosted its final home meet of the season on Nov. 2, taking on Niagara at the Stokes Natatorium.
Saint Francis fell to Niagara, 161-82, but the team showed resilience against a strong Purple Eagles program.
In addition to the competition against Niagara, it was also a day of reunion, as 13 Red Flash alumni returned to campus to relive memories from their years competing in an SFU uniform.
The day started strong for the Red Flash, with an impressive performance from the team’s 200-yard medley relay team.
Bridget Kurtzweil, Taylor Weth, Anna Bernasconi and Oksana Horova placed second in this event with a time of 1:47.15. This mark was just 0.20 seconds off the pool record.
“The team gave everything they had,” said head coach Phil Hurley. “With alumni here, it was extra special.”
The Red Flash were shorthanded against Niagara last weekend, with several team members recovering from respiratory illness. Despite this challenge, SFU managed to pull out individual wins in three events.
Junior Mina Nikolic praised her teammates’ grit.
“We were not in peak shape, but everyone stepped up,” said Nikolic. “We really wanted to give our best, especially with alumni watching.”
Sara Turner placed first in the 200-yard butterfly, clocking in at 2:10.40, while Kurtzweil won the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:09.51. Bernasconi captured top honors in the 100-yard individual medley in 59.32.
“It was fantastic to see those individual wins,” said Hurley. “Even with setbacks,
our swimmers pushed through and had some great races.”
Alumni were excited to be back in Loretto last weekend and actively cheered on the current team throughout the meet.
“The pool may look different, but the spirit is the same,” said one alum who attended the Niagara match.
SFU returns to action this Saturday, Nov. 9, traveling to Youngstown State. The meet against the Penguins begins at 1 p.m.
