The Franciscan University's swimming and diving team started their first of back to back meets this weekend against the Bethany College Bison. The Lady Barons lost 93-117, but will take a lot of momentum into tomorrow's meet on Jan 12. Franciscan had very little scheduled preparation for their meet but used it as a stepping stone to get back into shape after the break.

"We only had four days of practice," head coach Rebecca Recznik said. "This was a great meet to shake the rust off."

Two Lady Baron sprinters recorded personal bests against the Bison. Sophomore Allison Kelly swam the 100 yard breaststroke in 1:25.50, shaving nearly two and a half seconds off of her previous personal best. Freshman Aimee Vunovich also celebrated after she dropped nearly four seconds off of her 200 yard backstroke. 

Freshman diver Kelly Rankin also had a good day, recording multiple 6.5 scores from the judges in her 3 meter dive while swimming the 100 yard backstroke and the first leg of the 200 yard medley relay.

"She was fantastic and worked her butt off today," Recznik said. "She dove unbelievable. She had one of her best nights on the 3 meter board that she's had all season."

Sophomore Maria Giuliani impressively competed in two races, back to back. She received first place in the 1000 yard freestyle with a time of 12:01.25. Immediately after the race, Giuliani competed in the 200 yard free style, finishing in second.

"She is one of our most consistent swimmers," Recznik said. "She swims so hard for us and is such a leader."

Recznik also said she was excited to get her girls back in the pool after an extended break.

"We still have work and growth," Recznik said. "It isn't easy to stomach a loss like this after a break, but it will keep us focused. We need to work on our speed. Our end game is the championships. We're going to keep plugging."

The Barons will try and seize a great opportunity to prove themselves against their rival, the University of Pitt Bradford Panther and Division II Alfred University on Jan 12.