UNI Panther Swimming & Diving Makes a Splash on Senior Weekend
CEDAR FALLS – The UNI swimming and diving team delivered a dominating performance during their final home meet of the 2024-25 season, securing a 208.5-144.5 dual win over the Illinois State Redbirds at the Glen F. Henry Pool. This exceptional display saw Northern Iowa clinch victory in 11 events, breaking new pool records in the 200-yard freestyle relay, 50-yard freestyle, and 200-yard butterfly. Junior diver Erica Peters also made her mark by moving into the top-five on the three-meter boards.
## Stellar Start: How It All Unfolded
The intense competition kicked off on Friday with the three-meter diving event, where Peters impressed with a second-place finish and a career-best score of 275.10. Following closely, Avery Hogan secured third place with a score of 248.48, and Hannah Taylor landed in fourth with 242.48 points.
The UNI squad continued their winning streak with the 400-yard medley relay team, comprising Elyse Brayton, Sydney Aird, Hannah Nedder, and Faith Larsen, claiming first place with a stellar time of 3:51.94. Olivia Chambers shone in the 400-yard individual medley, clocking in at 4:35.79 to secure victory, with Crystal Benjamin and Meghan Pallett also making podium finishes.
## Record-Breaking Performances
Morgan Meyer showcased her prowess by clinching the top spot in the 200-yard freestyle, while Larsen, a two-time defending Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) champion, set a new pool record in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 23.39 seconds. Nikki Walters triumphed in the 200-yard butterfly, with Natalie Harris securing a commendable third place finish.
## A Sweeping Victory
The Panthers continued their winning streak with Brayton leading the pack in the 100-yard backstroke, while Chambers triumphed in the 1,000-yard freestyle. UNI closed out the first night in spectacular fashion, with Waren Graeve, Lear, Larsen, and Meyer clinching victory in the 200-yard freestyle relay and setting a new pool record.
## Day Two Triumphs
The second day of competition saw Peters leading the Panthers with a second-place finish in the one-meter event, followed by strong performances in the 200-yard medley relay and other swimming events. The team displayed exceptional talent and determination throughout the meet, culminating in a resounding success in the 400-yard free relay.
## Looking Ahead
As the Panthers gear up for their next challenges, divers will head to Omaha for the Omaha Diving Invite, while the swimming team prepares for the Coyote Invite in Sioux Falls. The UNI squad’s impressive performance is a testament to their hard work and dedication, setting the stage for more victories in the future.
