CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State University men's and women's swimming & diving programs opened their home dual meet schedule claiming victories over visiting Rhodes College at the Ronald G. Mayers Aquatic Center.
The
Lady Statesmen (DSU) earned a decisive 159-92 win, while the
Statesmen secured a 147-133 triumph, powered by strong performances across all disciplines — from sprints and distance events to relays and diving.
Delta State's depth was on full display throughout the meeting. The Lady Statesmen set the tone early, sweeping the podium in multiple events, including the
100-yard backstroke, led by
Zinna Nimander (58.79),
Kaley Davis (58.87), and
Kennedy Cleasant (59.95).
Sophomore
Julia Maciak dominated the distance events, capturing the
1,000-yard freestyle (10:54.69) and later adding a runner-up finish in the
400 IM (4:47.19). Senior leaders
Pia Delkeskamp (59.55, 100 fly) and
Olivia Murphy (24.37, 50 free; 2:12.71, 200 back) delivered pivotal wins, while
Janne Bodemer added victories in the
200 free relay (1:39.12) and the
400 IM (4:45.98).
In the men's competition, the Statesmen were anchored by a dominant sprint corps. Sophomore
Michael Robinson won the
200 free (1:45.74) and the
50 free (21.53) before anchoring the victorious
200 free relay (1:24.53) alongside
Sergio Rodriguez,
Jacob Hamblen, and
Ethan Baylin.
Baylin also captured the
100 free (46.58) and added a runner-up finish in the
100 breaststroke (1:00.01). Senior
Mateus Franco won the
200 fly (1:57.30) and contributed on relays, while
Austin Huffhines (47.70, 2nd in 100 free) and
Adam Rickert (1:46.92, 2nd in 200 free) provided key points.
Delta State's divers also impressed as
Santiago Santodomingo swept both the
1-meter and 3-meter boards, with strong support from
Ryan Whaley,
Jake Bigler, and
Braden Moore, helping tilt the meet in DSU's favor.
FINAL TEAM SCORES:
- Women: Delta State 159, Rhodes 92
- Men: Delta State 147, Rhodes 133
Delta State will be back in the pool in two weeks as they will travel to Little Rock for a quad
