Although the Belles came out of this weekend with two losses, some individuals enjoyed success.
While the team missed sophomore Audrey Dalrymple, who is studying abroad, and senior Meredith Lierz, who was out with a knee injury, the freshman class stepped up to take the lead in numerous events.
"Even though we did not win this weekend as a team, we succeeded every time one of us hit the water and put forth a great race," freshman Katie Griffin said.
Friday night the Belles lost 124-116 to No. 18 Hope, but still had some top individual finishers. Prior to the meets, Belles coach Alicia Dombkowski said she had no doubts in regards to her freshmen ladies, and they certainly did not let her down.
Griffin began the weekend with a time of 1:02.27 for the 100-yard backstroke, recording the third-fastest time in this event in team history. Griffin also took second in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 1:02.07.
"Swimming is often perceived as an individual sport, but fast swimming is only possible through the support of a team. This weekend I wouldn't have accomplished what I did without being pushed to be better by my teammates every day during practice," Griffin said.
Among these teammates are sophomore Megan Price, who finished second at the Hope meet in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 27.96, and freshman Ellie Watson, who finished second in the 500-yard freestyle.
Saturday afternoon the Belles lost 129-100 to Olivet, but once again had several strong individual finishes. Griffin shined again, finishing first in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:02.49.
The team took first, second and third in the 200-yard backstroke, led by freshman Caila Poythress and closely followed by freshman Emily Pearl and senior Sara Niemann.
Freshman Genevieve Spittler finished first in the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 2:21.85.
Watson once again performed well, finishing second in both the 500- and 1000-yard freestyle.
The girls next compete Friday against Albion at 7 p.m. in the Rolfs Aquatic Center at Notre Dame.
