Records Fall and Divers Dominate as Pioneers Close Day 3 at MAAC Championships

Friday, February 13

Geneva, OH

Trials Finals 9:30 am / 5:30 pm

Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics

MAAC Championships

Photo by: Stockton Photos

Records Fall and Divers Dominate as Pioneers Close Day 3 at MAAC Championships

2/13/2026 11:21:00 PM | Women's Swimming and Diving

Velleco and Baker set school marks while Mahoney and Yadao lead 1-2 finish in 3-meter dive; Sacred Heart sits fourth entering final day

By: Nikolas Lassonde

GENEVA, OH — The Sacred Heart University Women's Swimming and Diving team wrapped up Day 3 of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships with multiple record-breaking swims and a dominant showing in diving. After sitting in second on Day 1 and third on Day 2, the Pioneers now stand in fourth place overall as the meet heads into its final day.

Sophia Velleco delivered one of the top performances of the day in the 100 butterfly, earning a silver-medal finish with a school-record time of 55.36. Abby Hernandez placed ninth in 56.64, moving into fourth all-time in program history. Emma Haas finished 16th, while Makayla Lee added depth with a 21st-place showing.

In the 400 individual medley, Maddie Goret led the Pioneers with a 12th-place finish in 4:32.02, the second-fastest time in program history. Meredith Lubelczyk followed in 17th place with a 4:34.75, ranking fifth all-time, while Daniella Palamaro finished 18th in 4:38.72.

The 200 freestyle saw Laura DeGennaro place 12th in 1:54.03 to lead Sacred Heart in the event. Charlotte Kaduson finished 18th (1:55.93), Brooke LaBarge placed 22nd (1:57.08), and Maeve English took 24th (1:57.47),

Maggie Holland contributed a 13th-place finish in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:06.30.

In the 100 backstroke, Kristen Baker turned in a record-breaking performance, placing eighth with a school-record time of 56.82.

The Pioneers dominated the 3-meter diving event, claiming the top two spots and placing four divers in the top six. Ryleigh Mahoney captured first place with a winning score of 280.85, followed by Sinclair Yadao in second with a 270. Phifey Boyers finished fourth (227.15), and Kara Leahy placed sixth (218.40).

Sacred Heart closed the evening with a seventh-place finish in the 400-yard medley relay, as Kristen Baker, Maggie Holland, Emma Davis, and Abby Hernandez combined for a time of 3:52.89.

With one day remaining in the MAAC Championships, the Pioneers remain within striking distance in the team race as they look to finish strong in Geneva.