UNI swim and dive claims victory over Valpo on Senior Night

Friday, October 29

Cedar Falls, IA

4 PM

University of Northern Iowa

171

Valparaiso University

UNI swim and dive claims victory over Valpo on Senior Night

10/29/2021 7:32:00 PM | Women's Swimming and Diving

UNI vs. Valpo

CEDAR FALLS - The University of Northern Iowa swim and dive team ended Senior Night with a 171-53 win over the Valparaiso Beacons.

After honoring the seniors before the meet, the Panthers took nine first-place finishes, two wins on the boards, and victories in both relays for a memorable night at Glen F. Henry Pool.

"We had a special night with amazing energy to honor four outstanding young women that have helped set the standard here at UNI in the pool, in the classroom, and in the community," Head Coach Nick Lakin said. "We loved having all the senior parents there for the ceremony. This group of seniors will truly be missed."

For the seniors, Lauren Havertape took second in the 100 breaststroke with a 1:10.71, just behind teammate Payton Hall. Caitlin Dassow finished fourth in the 100 butterfly with a 1:04.35, Rachelle Houlette swam the 500 freestyle with a 5:24.97, and Courtney Schaeffer swam the 50 freestyle in a 26.08.

UNI took first, second and fourth place in the 200 Medley Relay to start the meet. The first-place team consisted of Scout Bergwall, Ema Lavigne, Payton Hall, and Faith Larsen who swam a 1:48.17. Closing out the meet, the 200 Free Relay team with Hallory Domnick, Clare Christensen, Liz Purtle, and Waren Graeve grabbed first place in 1:39.77.

Taylor Hogan dominated on the boards, placing first in both. She scored 268.26 on the 1-meter and 269.40 on the 3-meter. Abby Hutchins would follow, placing second on both boards.

"Taylor's 1 meter continues to improve and she was strong all the way through the event," Lakin said. "She came back with a solid 3-meter score to close a great meet."

Picking up her first collegiate victory, freshman Olivia Chambers won the 400 individual medley with a 4:42.17. Rounding out a one-two-three finish was sophomore Lily Ernst (4:44.99) and freshman Meghan Pallet (4:51.22). The Panthers followed with a one-two finish in the 200 freestyle by sophomore Amber Finke (1:56.80) and junior Sarah Walpole (2:00.66).

Junior Natalia Verastegui recorded two first-place finishes, one in the 50 Free (25.01), followed closely by teammates sophomore Taylor Short (25.02) and freshman Abby McCorkle (25.10). Verastegui finished first in the 500 Free (5:22.06), her first swim in that race on the season.

Freshman Ema Lavigne recorded her first collegiate win in the 200 individual medley with a 2:11.12. Helena Heuberger won the 100 backstroke with a 59.58, her first victory of the season. In the final individual event, Payton Hall picked up a victory in the 100 breaststroke.

"Natalia had a great day winning the 50 and the 500 free, and Amber had some really good swims winning the 100 free and 200 free," Lakin said. "It was exciting to see Olivia and Ema get their first collegiate wins. Helena, Payton, and Faith all pick up a win as well, so a really well rounded effort by the team."

The Panthers left the night victorious and hungry for more as the team travels to Sioux Falls for the Coyote Extravaganza against South Dakota, South Dakota State, St. Thomas, and St. Cloud State.

"We are excited to see where we are heading into next weekend to face some really good teams from the Summit League and get a ton of great racing in," Lakin said.

The meet will start at 6 p.m Nov. 5 and at 10 a.m. on Nov. 6.