WASHINGTON, Pa.—The Lady Baron swimming and diving team split the Washington and Jefferson College Meet Wednesday evening; the Franciscan swimmers defeated Bethany College 59-43, but fell to host Washington and Jefferson, 64-33. The Lady Baron swimming and diving team is now 3-3 in its freshman season.

Both opponents were nonconference matchups.

"We went into the meet knowing that Washington and Jefferson was a formidable opponent, with a lot of speed and power in both swimming and diving events," said Lady Baron head coach Rebecca Recznik. "Several of our girls swam in events they had not swum before, and it was exciting to see them rise to the challenge of the new events."

The most impressive performance of the night was delivered by middle distance swimmer Maria Giuliani, who swam a long distance event—the 500-yard freestyle—for the first time as a collegiate athlete. Giuliani nabbed a surprising second place finish, clocking a time of 5:50.77, in her first attempt at the event in competition.

Consistent performer Grace Anne Beatovich brought home the only first place finish of the night for Franciscan, clocking a winning time of 2:36.24 in the 200-yard individual medley. 

The Lady Barons will take their next plunge into competition at their first-ever home meet, a tri-match on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 1 p.m.  Coach Recznik noted that she and her team is anticipating the program's first role playing host, and that they will be training hard in preparation.