LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Delta State University Swimming and Diving teams turned in a strong all-around showing at the
Little Rock Fall Invite, highlighted by multiple event victories and podium finishes as both programs continued to build early-season momentum.
The Lady Statesmen finished
third overall with
517 points, while the Statesmen claimed
third with
668 points against a competitive field featuring Saint Louis, Little Rock, and Henderson State
On the women's side,
Zinna Nimander led the charge with a
dominant win in the
50-yard freestyle, clocking a blazing
22.95, while
Ave Owens added a
third-place finish at
23.72 to give Delta State a one-two punch in sprint freestyle action.
Chloe Skelt continued her early-season success, capturing the
50-yard breaststroke title in
29.06, followed closely by
Pia Delkeskamp in fourth and
Kiera Cloete in ninth.
The Lady Statesmen also impressed in relay competition, taking
fourth in the 800 free relay (7:45.38) behind strong swims from
Kaley Davis,
Julia Maciak,
Mikayla Kloth, and
Owens, while the
'B' squad finished seventh, adding key team points.
In addition,
Olivia Murphy and
Jordon Kloth each turned in top-five finishes in the
100-yard backstroke, and
Aspen Shipp and
Janne Bodemer posted finals appearances in the
50 fly, rounding out a deep and balanced team performance.
On the men's side, the
Statesmen delivered several standout swims highlighted by
Ethan Baylin, who won the
50-yard freestyle in
20.51 seconds — the fastest time of the meet.
Mateus Franco continued to anchor the backstroke group, finishing
runner-up in the 50 back (23.48) and contributing to a
victorious 800 free relay. The quartet of
Jake Runyon, Franco, Adam Rickert, and Austin Huffhines claimed
first place in that relay with a winning mark of
6:41.33, over five seconds ahead of the next finisher.
Kacper Mochnal also turned heads with a
second-place finish in the
50 fly (22.42), while
Neill Mauss,
Kostantin Ilijic, and
Eudald Tosquella each made finals in the
50 breaststroke, stacking valuable team points.
Delta State's depth was on full display throughout the two-day event, with nearly every swimmer contributing in multiple events.
Delta State will be back in the pool on Friday (Nov. 7) when they head to Arkadelphia, Ark., to take on the Reddies from Henderson State University.
