Freshman Lauren Halle wins twice, leads Women's Swimming & Diving past Wittenberg, 126-102

By Tim Glon

ADA — The Ohio Northern women's swimming and diving team got a pair of victories from  Freshman Lauren Halle (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton) and posted a 126-102 victory over Wittenberg Friday night at the ONU Sports Center.

The Polar Bears improve to 2-1 on the season, while the Tigers fall to 3-2.

Halle won the 200 I.M. in 2:15.57 and the 200 fly in 2:13.31.

Senior Molly Wheeler (Sylvania/Northview) won the 50 free in :26.04.

Sophomore Kierra Watson (Brownsburg, Ind.) won the 200 back in 2:17.57.

Freshman Libby Sartschev (Parma/Normandy) won the 3-meter diving unopposed with 174.37 points and edged teammate Samantha Nelson (Washington Court House/Washington) to win the 1-meter diving with 174.22 points.

Watson, junior Sydney Veon (Riverside, Ill./Brookfield), freshman Kyley Stuart (Ada) and Wheeler got the meet underway by winning the 400 medley relay in 4:15.70.

Wheeler, junior Hailee Sautter (Mansfield/Lexington), Veon and senior Stephanie Brookens (Louisville) wrapped up the meet by winning the 400 free relay in 3:44.43.

"Wittenberg has always put us to the test, and tonight on the women's side it was a close meet but only the second time we have beaten them," ONU head coach Peggy Ewald said. "I'm proud of the Polar Bears rising to the challenge, they swam well. We will need to keep the perspective on the big target as we race again tomorrow. Back to back meets gives us preparation for down the road. This was a good test overall and one to chalk up as a good opportunity."

The Polar Bears are also hosting their annual Swim for Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser on Friday and again on Saturday when they host Oberlin at 1 pm at the ONU Sports Center.

Special event 200-yard relay races will be held during the first diving break of the meet on Saturday against Oberlin. If you wish to donate and participate in a 4 x 50 relay, email assistant coach Helaina Sacco at h-sacco@onu.edu.