WORCESTER, MA - The Sacred Heart University Women's Swimming and Diving team delivered a spirited performance at the College of the Holy Cross in a dual meet. Despite a valiant effort marked by multiple event wins and personal bests, SHU fell to Holy Cross 180-120.

First-year Ryleigh Mahoney led the way for Sacred Heart with a great day on the diving boards. She won both diving events, taking first in the 1-meter dive with a score of 273.83 and the 3-meter dive with a 315.98. Sophomore Phifey Boyers also had a strong performance with a third-place finish in the 1-meter dive. Sinclair Yadao competed well in both events, finishing fifth in the 1-meter and fourth in the 3-meter. The divers gave Sacred Heart a strong start to the meet.

In the sprint events, senior Emma Davis had an impressive showing. She won the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 25.34 and followed that with a second-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle in 55.69. Junior Sophia Velleco stood out in the freestyle races, winning the 200-yard freestyle in 1:57.02 and the 500-yard freestyle in 5:12.84.

First-year Maddie Goret continued to shine in several events. She won the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:27.08 and also took first in the 200-yard individual medley at 2:12.67. Goret added another strong swim by finishing third in the 100-yard backstroke, showing her ability to compete in different strokes.

The relay teams also had solid performances throughout the meet. The 200-yard medley relay team of Maddie Goret, Maggie Holland, Emma Haas, and Sophia Velleco finished second with a time of 1:50.99. Sacred Heart's 400-yard freestyle relay team, made up of Emma Davis, Emma Haas, Maggie Holland, and Sophia Velleco, also placed second with a time of 3:41.72. The B relay added a third-place finish in the same event.

Other Pioneers also stepped up across the lineup. Senior Charlotte Kaduson finished second in the 1000-yard freestyle with a time of 10:57.13. Junior Abby Hernandez placed third in both the 200-yard butterfly and the 100-yard butterfly. First-year Izzy Torello competed in the 1000-yard freestyle, while sophomore Makayla Lee raced in the 200-yard butterfly. Kristen Baker had strong swims in the backstroke events, Daniella Palamaro competed in the breaststroke and individual medley, and Maeve English added depth in the freestyle races.

Sacred Heart faced tough competition from Holy Cross, but the Pioneers showed good effort throughout the meet. Several first-year athletes played big roles, showing positive signs as the team continues through the season. The Pioneers will next travel to the Spire Academy in the Buckeye State for the MAAC Championships, scheduled for February 11–14.