Women's Swimming and Diving edges John Carroll 152-147 in final event at Faculty Appreciation Meet

October 31, 2015

By Caleb Scott

ADA — The Ohio Northern women's swimming and diving team broke a 141-all tie by winning the final event of the day to defeat John Carroll 152-147 Saturday afternoon during the Faculty Appreciation Meet at the ONU Sports Center.

The Polar Bears improve to 2-0 overall and 2-0 in the Ohio Athletic Conference, while the Blue Streaks fall to 0-2, 0-1.

The team of junior Emily Uhrin, freshman Kierra Watson, junior Molly Wheeler and sophomore Sydney Veon would seal the victory as they won the 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:47.87 to send the Polar Bears to the victory.

"Going back to back meets is a tough schedule this early in the season but one that provides us a foundation to build our stamina for a championship format," ONU head coach Peggy Ewald said. "We had a quick turn around from Wilmington last night and within 12 hours of returning to campus going up against JCU. With such a young team on both the men and women's side, we have plenty to work on but we got to see some of the lessons implemented today. We can take that into practice next week and prepare for what's next.

"The Polar Bears stepped up in many ways today but especially on the last relay. We were tied going into the relay so the energy was high to go all in for the win. It was exciting and demonstrates how the landscape in the OAC is changing. We have work ahead of us but this meet certainly showcased the work already in invested."

Senior Allison Lohnes led the way for Northern with three first place finishes, while junior Jill Chapman posted two first place finishes.

Lohnes got her first victory in the 100-yard backstroke, finishing in 59.89 seconds. Lohnes also took first place in the 200-yard backstroke, finishing in 2:11.57. The senior would also take first place in the 200-yard individual medley, finishing in 2:14.91.

Chapman won the 50-yard freestyle in 24.70 seconds and also took first place in the the 100-yard freestyle, finishing in 55.03 seconds.

Sophomore Kasey Mucher would rally in the last 25 yards to win the 1000-yard freestyle in 11:37.00.

Uhrin won the 200-yard freestyle in 2:03.21.

The Polar Bears will return to action Friday as they travel to Calvin (Mich.) to compete in Day 1 of the Calvin (Mich.) Invitational at 6 pm.