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John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Jose Figueroa

Women's Swimming & Diving Departs OAC with 9th Straight Championship

| By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

Mairin Dalziel reigned as the OAC's Most Outstanding Swimmer

AKRON -- An era ended on Saturday evening in the warm waters of the University of Akron's Ocasek Natatorium.

For the 25th and final time, John Carroll Women's Swimming & Diving stood atop the Ohio Athletic Conference.

With a ninth straight OAC Championship victory, the Blue Streaks exit the OAC on top. 

Day 4 Prelim Results
Day 4 Finals Results
Final Results

"It's a great way to end it, with dominant wins on both sides," said Head Coach Mark de Swardt. "The school is ready for some more competition. We get that and more in the NCAC, we'll be the underdogs, which will be fun." 

Mairin Dalziel stole the show for John Carroll this weekend, earning the OAC's Most Outstanding Swimmer for the first time in her career. It was truly an epic week for the Royal Oak, Michigan native, capped off in style individually tonight in the 100 Free. 

"Mairin was crazy, her drops this year – half a second in the 50 Free with a school record, plus dropping over a second in the 100 Free and a school record," said de Swardt. "She's been unbelievable, and of course started off every relay for us, she's been great."

After the Senior Night fun, John Carroll got to work in the 1650 Free. Gabriella Melin guided the JCU effort in the marathon event, snagging second in 18:22.20. Hannah Smith followed her in third, clocking in at 18:49.02.

Audrey Sevald got John Carroll back atop the podium in the 200 Back. The first year from Akron touched the wall at 2:06.18 for the title. Lauren Koppelmann snagged second with a time of 2:11.54, good for an All-OAC accolade. 

Mairin Dalziel completed a three-peat in the 100 Free with a fantastic effort. The junior captured a time of 51.48, good enough not just for first place but for the JCU record, OAC record, and the NCAA B cut. It was truly a marvelous effort for Dalziel. To top it off, Bree Shirkey earned All-OAC honors in the event with a time of 53.58. 

Two Streaks starred in the 200 Breaststroke. Olivia Goodman tore through the water for a title in the event, to no surprise, clocking in at 2:24.68 for the clear title. Regan Gunzy followed in second place with a mark of 2:28.89. 

Another title followed in the 200 Butterfly with a clear victory. Gabrielle Adamczyk enjoyed a margin of victory of over two seconds to win the crown, clocking in at 2:09.91. Grace Roberts also picked up an All-OAC medal, touching the wall in third with a mark of 2:14.31.

Annie Meunier concluded her conference career on top in the 3 Meter Diving. The senior standout catapulted to first place in the event, finishing with a champion score of 451.80. That point total also picked up the NCAA B cut, another feather in the cap for Plainfield, Illinois native, who had already punched her ticket to NCAA Regionals in the 1 Meter Diving. 

The fun officially concluded in the 400 Free Relay. The JCU quartet of Shirkey, Kaitlyn Hilty, Taylor Hudson, and Grace Roberts earned All-OAC honors with a time of 3:39.24. 

"I'd like to thank the athletes, first and foremost. They welcomed me as a coach," said de Swardt. "The parents have been outstanding helping with everything. Thank you to the SID Department for helping us out the whole way. I couldn't believe how many people were here, that was awesome. And thank you to the University for giving me a chance to show what we could do."  
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