MARLBOROUGH, Conn. - The Sacred Heart University women's swimming and diving team began its season on Sunday afternoon when the Pios swam in the 2025 Central Connecticut Open Water Festival.

It was a successful Sunday for the Pioneers as a team as they placed second out of five teams with a score of 56 and a total clock time of 4:49:23.8. Junior Sophia Velleco took home first place with a total time of 55:41:60 in the 5K.

Taking home eighth place was junior Maeve English with a time of 57:46:61. First-year Izzy Torello, in her first swim as a Pioneer, placed 12th in 58:00:51, while Charlotte Kaduson took 14th in 58:06:22.

Also placing was Daniella Palamaro in 22nd and Laura DeGennaro in 26th. Those six swimmers have qualified for the CSCAA National Open Water Championships in December.

Sacred Heart will next host their Annual Pioneer Pentathlon / Red & White Inter squad next Saturday at the McCann Natatorium in Milford, Connecticut, at 11:30am.