Observer Staff Report
The Irish split a tough weekend of competition with a 188-112 victory over Pittsburgh on Friday followed by a close 162-138 loss to Louisville on Saturday afternoon.
Against Pitt, the Irish took the lead early with the top three spots in the 200 Medley Relay. Senior captain Kim Holden claimed the 200 butterfly and the 100 freestyle. Junior Kelly Ryan snatched the gold in both backstroke events.
Sophomore Emma Reaney, junior Lauren Stauder and junior Sarah Dotzel all ended the meet with individual victories. In diving, senior Jenny Chiang claimed the 3 meter gold and sophomore Allison Casareto took first in the 1 meter dive.
Overall, the Irish claimed 12 of 16 events and clenched the victory over Pittsburgh.
Saturday, the Irish took on two-time National Champion Louisville. Though the Irish won victory in eight events, they were unable to match the depth of the Cardinals.
Reaney dominated the field, winning the 100 and 200 breaststroke and the 200 IM. Holden swept the backstroke events and Chiang claimed gold in the 1 meter dive.
Freshman Catherine Galletti won her first event of the weekend with the 50 freestyle.
Holden's time in the 200 back qualifies her for the NCAA B-cut. Reaney swam qualifying times in all three events she won on Saturday.
Despite the victories, the Cardinals had more people in the two through six spots in the 100 and 200 freestyle and were able to get a leg up over the Irish.
The Irish head to Topeka, Kan. this weekend to compete at the Kansas Women's Classic.