Friday evening Hillsdale lost to both Grand Valley State University (179-50) and Calvin College (159.5-71.5). Despite the tough competition, Senior Anika Ellingson won the 100 breaststroke (1:06.39), and freshman Madeline Breay took third (1:10.07).
Junior Catherine Voisin had a strong 100 butterfly for third place (59.96) and placed fifth in the 100 breaststroke (1:12.17).
Charger sprinters scored in the top eight with sophomore Emma Rao taking fifth in the 50 freestyle (25.61) and senior Suzanne DeTar with a close eighth (25.92). Junior Victoria Addis finished sixth in the 100 freestyle (57.81).
Four chargers finished within four seconds of each other in the 200 freestyle. Breay led the way with eighth (2:0192), senior Grace Houghton ninth (2:03.27), freshman Stefanie Walker tenth (2:04.65), and freshman Taylor Boyle eleventh (2:05.85). Walker also placed fifth in the 100 butterfly (1:01.45).
Sophomore Katherine Heeres had a solid 200 IM for sixth place (2:17.02), and Ellingson close behind in eighth (2:20.28). Heeres also finished sixth in the 100 backstroke (1:02.07) and sophomore Bailey Bickerstaff was a half second behind in eighth (1:02.56).
Charger distance had top eight finishes with freshman Anna Clark placing fifth in the 1000 (11:26.30) and sophomore Mary Vita swam the 1000 for the first time and finished seventh (11:47.64). Senior Grace Houghton finished sixth in the 500 freestyle (5:28.18).
The 200 freestyle A-relay of Vita, Rao, Boyle, and DeTar finished third (1:42.16), and the 200 medley A-relay of Heeres, Ellingson, Voisin, and DeTar finished fourth (1:51.96).
PHOTO: Todd Lancaster