INDIANAPOLIS -- This week, the competition schedule was highlighted by Malone hosting a Senior Day celebration against Fairmont State and Ashland traveling for a two-day road swing through Bluffton and Ada. Both programs used the weekend to sharpen their lineups as the conference championships approach.

Malone Pioneers Celebrate Seniors with Sweep of Fairmont State

The Malone University Pioneers returned to the C.T. Branin Natatorium on Saturday, Jan. 24, for a dual meet against Fairmont State. It was a triumphant afternoon for the Pioneers, as both the men's and women's programs secured decisive victories to close out their home schedule.

Team Scores:

• Men: Malone 116, Fairmont State 96

• Women: Malone 129, Fairmont State 95

Malone Women's Highlights: Ashtyn Rickel led the charge for the Pioneers with a dominant three-win performance. Rickel swept both backstroke events, taking the 100-yard (1:02.91) and 200-yard (2:18.47) distances, before capping her day with a victory in the 200-yard individual medley (2:19.60). Ann-Katherine Burns provided a sweep of the breaststroke events, winning the 100-yard in 1:13.40 and the 200-yard in 2:41.08. Elizabeth Lane added a victory in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 25.51. The Pioneers also showcased their depth in the diving well, where Allea Graves moved to number two in program history with a personal-best score of 206.25 in the 1-meter dive.

Malone Men's Highlights: The Oiler men were propelled by several multi-event winners. Landon Sutter swept the backstroke events, winning the 100-yard in 57.65 and the 200-yard in 2:14.79. Carson Letchworth was equally impressive, claiming victories in both the 200-yard butterfly (2:08.88) and the 200-yard individual medley (2:18.06). Elisha Thompkins won the 50-yard freestyle in 23.28, while Porter took the top spot in the 200-yard freestyle (1:57.97).

Ashland Women Dominate Road Dual at Ohio Northern

The Ashland University Eagles spent the weekend on the road, following up a Friday victory at Bluffton with a trip to Ada, Ohio, on Saturday, Jan. 24. The Eagle women put on a dominant display against Ohio Northern, while the men battled in a highly competitive dual.

Team Scores:

• Women: Ashland 234, Ohio Northern 58

• Men: Ohio Northern 181, Ashland 118

Ashland Women's Highlights: The Eagle women won every individual swimming event on the schedule. Julianna Prall secured a distance double, winning the 1000-yard freestyle (11:13.56) and the 500-yard freestyle (5:31.02). Maddie Porinchok was a triple winner, claiming the 200-yard butterfly (2:20.67), the 100-yard butterfly (1:02.13), and the 200-yard individual medley (2:19.98). Alaina Diehl swept the backstroke events (100-yard in 1:02.11 and 200-yard in 2:16.89), while Madelyn Nicholson swept the breaststroke events. Jami Hull also delivered a sprint sweep, winning the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle.

Ashland Men's Highlights: The Eagle men were led by Amar Sapcanin, who dominated the breaststroke lanes with wins in the 100-yard (59.67) and 200-yard (2:12.45) distances. Nick Mohler added a victory in the 500-yard freestyle, touching the wall in 5:02.45. Despite the individual successes, Ohio Northern's depth in the middle-distance events proved to be the difference in the team score.

Findlay and Hillsdale Mid-Winter Update

The University of Findlay was out of competition this week, utilizing the break for a heavy training phase following their recent high-intensity stretch. Hillsdale College was originally scheduled to compete alongside Malone and Fairmont State in Canton, but the Chargers did not travel for the meet, and the competition was canceled for the women's program. Both teams are scheduled to return to the pool for final regular-season matchups in early February.