LA CROSSE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire swimming and diving teams split with UW-La Crosse on Saturday, with the men defeating the Eagles by a score of 129-104 and the women falling, 140-104.
Diver Dylan Glumac-Berberich (Jr. – Fridley, MN) continues to have a strong season for the Blugold men, hitting yet another NCAA zone cut on both the 1 and 3-meter dives. The junior won the 3-meter with a score of 329.40 and the 1-meter with a score of 323.
Sam Senczyszyn (Sr. – Grafton, WI) led the women's squad on Saturday, setting a new pool record in the 50 free, clocking in at 23.89 and went on to also win the 100 free, recording a time of 52.28.
Anna Theisen (Jr. - Glenbeulah, WI/Plymouth) also won two events for the Blugolds, claiming the top spots in the 100 free (11:16.46) and 500 free (5:29.80). Maddie Kooima (Fr. – Stoughton, WI) also won the 200 backstroke, finishing with a time of 2:14.64.
Top finishers for the men were Collin Miller (Jr. – Rochester, MN/Schaeffer Academy) in the 50 free (21.46), Andrew Strauch (Sr. – Lakeville, MN/North) in the 200 butterfly (2:01.54) and Jack Poppitz (Fr. – Apple Valley, MN/Eastview) in the 200 breaststroke (2:15.80).
Also taking first place was the 400 free relay team of Caleb Odmark (Sr. – White Bear Lake, MN), Strauch, Dane Detert (So. – New Berlin, WI/West) and Miller, finishing with a time of 3:13.31.
"The team came together for a tough road dual with UWL," said Head Coach Annie Ryder. "Today it was about the team and the race. Every race mattered. The men truly had a team victory and every single person played a role. The meet came down to the last two events on the men's side. Freshman Jack Poppitz had a huge swim to win the 200 breast to seal the win. The men's 400 free relay was one of the most exciting races I've seen in a while. The men were in third going into the last leg. Collin Miller came from behind to close a 5-second gap to win. Mostly I am proud of how both teams swam for the team, never gave up, and raced to do their part for the team. We had many season best times and we are really excited for the rest of the season."
The Blugolds will return to the Twin Cities next week as they compete at the St. Thomas Invite Nov. 9-10.